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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/16/1974 Business Meeting 1J32 SEPTEMBER 16, 1974 !The City Council met in session at 6:30 P.M. on this date at iStation KYVE-TV. Councilmen present at the meeting were Mayor Bert Broad, Wray lBrown, Betty L. Edmondson, W. K. "Pete" Moore, Charles A. Rich, and Don Schussler. i City Manager McMicken briefed the Council on the status of the ' Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. No action was taken., At 8:00 P.M., the Council members moved .into the main television ! studio of Station KYVE-TV for the balance of the meeting, Mayor !Broad presiding, Councilmen Brown, Edmondson, Moore, Rich and ,Schussler, City Manager McMicken and City Attorney Andrews pre- lsent on roll call. 1The Invocation was given by Councilman Brown. 'The minutes of the previous meeting of September 9, 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. ,Mayor Broad presented the Award of Merit for excellence in the field of Park and Recreation Management to Parks Director, Bill Hutsinpiller, explaining that the award is being presented on ;behalf of the Sports Foundation, Inc., in the field of Class 14 competition. This being the time set for the Hearing on the City's proposed . 'sidewalk program, City Manager McMicken explained that the matter of sidewalk repair and replacement has been a long-standing 'problem, since the City has no mandatory law providing for the !repair costs to be born by the property owner whose home is abutting a subject sidewalk. He noted that the City has pursued a voluntary system which has resulted in lack of participation Iby many property owners not wishing to participate in the cost !for repairs. Present practice provides for the property owner to pay for materials and the City to furnish labor and equipment. Mr. McMicken related that the sidewalks existing in many residential !areas are now hazardous to pedestrians. He reviewed City Manager !Report #206 entitled Sidewalk Repair Program, explaining that a compulsory sidewalk program is proposed to replace the present voluntary method, whereby the property owner would be responsible for costs in constructing or repairing sidewalks one block or 'less in length. Under the direction of the City Engineer'.s ioffice, this program would provide a specific method of determining who is responsible, for the necessary repair work. The proposed pro-j would provide for an equitable allocation of costs in circum- stances where the total expense is to be shared by the City and the property owner. Administrative Assistant, Dick Zais, reviewed the varying situations in which the property owner would be responsible to pay for the full cost, to include the I repair of a sidewalk damaged by unnatural causes, and construction of new sidewalks one block or less in length as a part of street 'improvements determined necessary. Mr. Zais reviewed the proposed ;sidewalk repair procedures to be followed in implementing the program and as provided for in the proposed Ordinance adopting the program. He reported that the City Engineer's office would Imake a physical inspection in residential areas of existing I sidewalks and record the amount of repair necessary along with 1 an estimate of the cost to include what the property owner could be expected to contribute. The City would be divided into Mainten- ance Districts and Street Department crews would be scheduled Ito perform work on the designated areas throughout the year. 'Each neighborhood within a Maintenance District would be expected . to assist in the scheduling of these crews and inspections would be on a block by block basis. Mr. Zais referred to the draft of a proposed advisory notice to property owners, which would I indicate to the property owner where the sidewalk abutts his property and certifying that he may perform the repair work himself 1 /I ; SEPTEMBER 16, 1974 and assume all costs with the work to be done according to City Engineer specifications. He explained that should the property owner not care to participate that the City would complete the work and one-half of the cost would then be assessed to the property. He further explained that payments could be made in one lump sum or over a 10 year period. Mr. Zais indicated that the next step would be to hold a public hearing on the repairs determined necessary, at which time the Council could adopt a Resolution of necessity. After the hearing a Repair Notice would be mailed to property owners under the direction of the City Engineer. He explained that the necessary repairs would then either be performed by the owner or by the City. In case of sidewalk repairs being performed by the property owner, he would assume costs either personally or by hired contractor and should the property owner not comply, the work would be performed by the City. In the case where the sidewalk repairs are made by the City, one-half the cost would be assessed to the property owner and the work would be completed according to City Engineer's specifications. The assessment roll would then be filed and a public hearing held. Referring to the proposed ordinance inacting these provisions, Councilman Schussler emphasized that where sidewalk repair is necessary from natural deterioration, it should be made clear to the property owner that the City will share one-half the cost. City Engineer Fritz Jaeger noted that the total cost would differ depending on existing conditions and the amount of difficulty incurred in replacement or repair. It was noted that this proposal is for an on-going program supervised for necessary construction and repair over an extended period of time. Councilman Schussler related that much of the City's existing sidewalk is situated within the Central Business District. Council members expressed some concern that more time should be given to inform the public and those interested in this proposal. There being no one present wishing to speak to this matter it was MOVED by Edmondson, seconded by Rich that this hearing be continued for one week: carried, Broad, Brown, Edmondson, Moore and Rich voting aye by voice vote: Schussler voting nay by voice vote. City Manager McMicken referred to the new State Statutes on bid requirements and to the City's Charter provisions, explaining the proposed Resolution call for a special election on a Charter amendment. The proposed amendment will make corrections in two present provisions. He explained that the Charter presently provides for the purchase of materials and services over $2,000 to be made by calling for bids and that the words "and except for contracts for professional services" would be added as an exception to this procedure. He reported that the other requirement is for public improvement projects over $5,000 to be performed by contract following a call for bids and further explained that under certain circumstances it is more feasible for the City to perform the work by City forces. The proposed charter amendment would allow for the City to perform such improvement or let bids to a contractor. It was MOVED by Brown, seconded by Moore that Resolution No. D-3183, calling for said Special Election, be passed: carried, Broad, Brown, Edmondson, Moore and Schussler voting aye on roll call; Rich voting nay on roll call. RESOLUTION NO. D-3183, A RESOLUTION providing for the submittal to the electors of the City of Yakima, Washington, at a special election to be held in conjunction with the State General Election to be held November 5, 1974, of a proposition as to whether Article VI, Section 6, of the Yakima City Charter shall be amended. Referring to the proposed resolution authorizing the execution of a Building Code Inspection Agreement with Yakima County, City Attorney Andrews reviewed the provisions in the proposed agreement, to include the term of agreement, beginning September 1, 1974, and terminating December 31, 1974, responsibilities A 13 SEPTEMBER 16, 1974 - - - of the County to provide an inspector and car to serve the upper land lower Yakima Valley, maintenance of records, responsibilities of the City to assist and supervise with inspections in the sur- rounding Yakima Urban Area and the type of technical inspections to be performed. Mr. Andrews further reviewed the agreement pro- visions for termination and reports to be submitted to the County. !He noted that the County will pay to the City $4,804 to cover the cost of one inspector and automobile. After due discussion, lit was moved by Edmondson, seconded by Moore that Resolution No. D-3184, authorizing the execution of said Building Code Inspection !Agreement with the County, be passed: carried, Broad, Brown, 'Edmondson Moore and Schussler voting aye on roll call; Rich voted ' nay on roll call. 1RESOLUTION NO. D-3184, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute ia Building Code Inspection Agreement with Yakima County. !City Manager McMicken reviewed the proposed resolution authorizing , final application to the United States Environmental Protection i Agency for a Grant for the Yakima Area Wastewater Facilities iPlanning Study. He indicated that the total cost of the project is approximately $241,000 with the Federal share 75%, the State ;15% and the local 10%, to be shared between the City of Yakima, 'West Valley, Terrace Heights and Union Gap districts according to population. It was MOVED by Brown, seconded by Rich that iResolution No. D-3185, authorizing said final application, be !passed: carried, Broad, Brown, Edmondson, Moore, Rich and Schussler voting aye on roll call. R ESOLUTION NO. D-3185, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing Ithe Director of Public Works of the City of Yakima to make final !application to the Federal Environmental Protection Agency for is grant for a Yakima Area Wastewater Facilities Planning Study. City Manager McMicken referred to the right-of-way use permit 'request by the U. S. Postal Service for encroachments on the public iright-of-way to provide vehicle parking. Traffic Engineer Bill 1Stark, explained that on October 1, the postal service will lose !their leased parking lots off of 7th Avenue and they are consequently requesting permission to use the right-of-way adjacent to these two lots for parking of postal service vehicles between 7th Avenue and Pierce. He explained that the Postal Service intends to gravel this area curb to curb and will .put in bumper logs. Mr. Stark I related that staff sees no foreseeable particular problem and that the postal service agrees to these requirements outlined by the City. Mr. Robert Leadon, being present, reported that the Postal Service also intends to install a driveway. He stated that it is understood that the area would have to be vacated should !Pierce Avenue be widened. After due discussion, it was MOVED by Schussler, seconded by Edmondson that the request from the U. S. Postal Service for a Right-of-way Use Permit, be granted: carried, Broad, Brown, Edmondson, Moore, Rich and.-,Schussler voting aye by voice vote. City Manager McMicken reported,on two-other !right-of-way use permit requests, explaining that the Cosmopolitan I/ Chinook Hotel requests right-of-way for maintenance of two 25 ,gallon oil storage tanks under the sidewalk and have filed the !necessary insurance. The Roche Fruit Company, North 1st Avenue, is requesting maintenance of an existing overhead canopy and roof 'structure for a cold storage condenser, and that the equipment 1 land materials are non-cumbustible. It was MOVED by Rich, seconded by Moore that the request for Right-of-way Use'Permits by the ,Cosmopolitan Chinook Hotel and Roche Fruit Company be granted: [carried, Broad, Brown, Edmondson, Moore, Rich and Schussler voting , aye by voice vote. 'City Manager McMicken referred to the two requests for outside !water service which were reviewed by the City Council at the meeting I on August 19, 1974, and subsequently referred back to staff for obtaining Exhibit "B". Mr. McMicken noted that the Exhibit "B" has been received from Mr. Ralph Holm which limits outside utility 1 - , 9 R5 1 ) ;- ) SEPTEMBER 16, 1974 service to the single family residence located at 1809 West Lincoln Avenue and that the same has been received from Mr. Gayle Curtis, limiting extension of outside utility service to the single family residence at 1715 Pleasant Avenue. It was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Rich that the request of Mr. Ralph Holm for outside water service, be granted: carried, Broad, Brown, Edmondson, Moore, Rich and Schussler voting aye by voice vote. It was then MOVED by Schussler, seconded by Brown that the request of Mr. Gayle Curtis for outside water service, be granted: carried, Broad, Brown, Edmondson, Moore, Rich and Schussler voting aye by voice vote. It was MOVED by Brown, seconded by Edmondson that Ordinance No. 1703, creating the Trolley Operating Fund, be passed: carried, Broad, Brown, Edmondson, Moore, Rich and Schussler voting aye on roll call. It was noted that this fund will handle the funds for operation and maintenance of the City's newly acquired trolley cars. ORDINANCE No. 1703, AN ORDINANCE relating to funds and accounts; creating a Trolley Operating Fund and designating its purpose, its source of funding, and providing for expenditures therefrom; enacting Chapter 3.96, and various sections thereof, as a new Chapter and as new sections of the City of Yakima Municipal Code; and declaring an emergency. An Ordinance appropriating $4,000 to the Trolley Operating Fund for purposes of maintenance and operating expenses for 1974, having been read by title only at this meeting, was laid on the table for one week or until September 23, 1974. Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Hutsinpiller, referred to the Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan, emphasizing that this has been prepared as a guide to the needs and possible sites for park development. With the use of a map, Mr. Hutsinpiller outlined the various planning areas to include six community areas which have been designated in an effort to determine larger areas which are in need of broader park services, These would serve a larger population along with 29 neighborhood areas which would serve small populations within the community and which would be accessible within walking distance. He indicated that natural barriers have been a major consideration in the break-down of these areas. Mr. Hutsinpiller reported that the Plan has been reviewed extensively with very minor changes, except for the elimination of the proposed Powerhouse Park. He noted that a smaller summary document will soon be available in addition to that prepared in accordance with State requirements. It was MOVED by Schussler, seconded by Rich that the Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Program be referred to the Planning Commission: carried, Broad, Brown, Edmondson, Moore, Rich and Schussler voting aye by voice vote. Referring to the 6-year Parks and Recreation Capital Improvement Program, Parks Director Bill Hutsinpiller reviewed the revised copy dated August 16, 1974. He explained that the projects listed are part of the comprehensive plan which are eligible for state and federal matching grants and which program is updated every year. He noted that this program must be filed with the State Interagency Committee to obtain available funding. City Manager McMicken referred to the proposed resolution authorizing the application to the State Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation to obtain matching funds for acquisition of a community park on the west side of Yakima, noting that the City wishes to buy the community park with state and federal matching funds which would be considered at their meeting this December. He suggested that the Council may wish to schedule a joint meeting with the Parks and Planning Commissions for further discussion on this matter. It was the consensus of the Council that a future meeting with Bill Hutsinpiller be scheduled to give the Council more information before action is taken. 155 SEPTEMBER 16-i-1974 • A damage claim having been filed with the City Clerk on September 6, 1974, by Edward E. King, 209 North 21st Avenue in the amount of $22.33 for damages from a City sewer backup, it was MOVED - • by Schussler, seconded by Rich that said damage claim be referred to the City Manager and staff for study and recommendation: carried, Broad, Brown, Edmondson, Moore, Rich and Schussler voting aye by voice City Manager McMicken authorization for out-of-state travel for Al Miller, Sewage Treatment Plant, to travel to LaGrande, Oregon, to attend a Safety Award Committee Meeting, September 12-13, 1974, and for Wayne Dean, Parks Departmentto travel to Sun River, Oregon, to attend the Northwest Turf Grass Association annual meeting, September 24-27, 1974, it was MOVED by Schussler, seconded by Brown that said travel be approved and expenses paid: carried, Broad, Brown, Edmondson, Moore, Rich and Schussler voting aye by voice vote. Councilman Brown requesting permission to be excused from the meeting of September 23, 1974, it was-MOVED by Schussler, seconded by Rich that Councilman Brown be excused from the regular City Council Meeting to be held on that date:: carried, Broad, Brown, Edmondson, Moore, Rich and Schussler voting aye by voice vote. There being no further businesth to come before the Council, it was MOVED by Edmondson, seconded by Moore that this meeting be adjourned at 9:55 P.M., to meet, in Executive Session at Mayor Broad's home immediately following this meeting on this date: carried, Broad, Brown, Edmondson, Moore, Rich and Schussler voting aye by voice vote. ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16,1974 The City Council met in Executive Session at 10:30 P.M. on this date at Mayor Broad's Home, to discuss the matter of appointing a replacement for the position vacated by Bill Whitaker. No formal action regarding this matter was taken. There being no further business to come before the Council, it was MOVED by Rich, seconded by Moore that this meeting be adjourned. at 11:00 P.M. to Friday, September 20, 1974, at the hour of 12:00 Noon to then meet in the Flight Deck Restaurant: carried, Broad, Brown, Edmondson, Moore, Rich and Schussler voting aye by voice vote. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY 4 DATE , _ 6UNCILMAN 7 0 COUNCILMAN ATTEST: "OP CITY ERK MAYOR