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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/20/1981 Study Session OCTOBER 20, 1981 0, 1 STUDY SESSION The City Council met in session on this date at 2:00 P.M. in the Council Chanters of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Council members present were Mayor Betty L. Edmondson, Clarence Barnett, Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Budhanan, Lynn Carmichael, Shirley Doty and Don Hinman. 1. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE DOD OF THE ORDER Mayor Edmondson stated that there is a need for an Executive Session to discuss pending litigation. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Buchanan to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing pending litigation. Unanimously 1/1 carried by voice vote. Following the completion of the Executive Session, Mayor Edmondson commented that in last week's Council packet there was a letter from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks regarding the City's agenda manual being printed as a technical bulletin to be available to their membership. She stated that Larry Wittenberg and Iris Litzenberger should be recognized and thanked for their efforts in putting this manual together. Mayor Edmondson reported that she has received notification from the Chamber of Commerce that they have appointed Russ Ackley to replace Don Emerick on the Airport Advisory Commission as an ex-officio member. Mayor Edmondson stated that Catherine Melford has contacted her regarding the installation of permanent parking restriction signs on Central Avenue asking when they would be installed. City Manager Zais stated that staff will be bringing a report to Council on that shortly. 2. STATUS REPORT RE SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY CENTER CODE IMPROVEMENT REQUIREMENTS AND COSTS Council members Hinman and Beauchamp excused themselves from discussion on this item due to possible conflict of interest. Larry Wright, Acting Director of Community and Econamic Development, stated that his report is still in draft form and will be given to Council after it has been finalized. Mayor Edmondson distributed copies of a letter she had received from the Yakima Neighborhood Health Services which states their position against relocation to the Southeast Community Center. Larry Wright gave some information on the original construction date and major remodeling and stated the property is currenLly appraised by the Yakima County Assessor's Office at $1 million for improvements and $40,000 for the land. He reported that the previous information given about code deficiencies that were built in at the time of the construction was found to be not totally accurate. He stated there was a provision in the 1976 Building Code that allowed the chief building inspector to waive the facility being brought totally up to code under certain circumstances, which, apparently was done. Council member Carmichael requested that the items that have code deficiencies be listed separate from those items that are in or condition because of lack of maintenance. City Manager Zais stated that it would be difficult to separate than because some of the items that have not been maintained are now considered to be a code deficiency. Larry Wright reviewed the code deficiency and maintenance problem areas at the Center. He stated staff is trying to arrive at a method to solve this with CDBG money. He commented that HUD could require the City to bring the rest of the facility up to code and we will be using some of our Community Development money for major maintenance repairs. Ken Coffin stated that if we don't cane under cumpliance, HUD will request the grant amount back. Mr. Wright stated that we can use Community Development monies for some of the work, 002 OCTOBER 20, 1981 however, the other expenditures, unless it has to do with life safety is not eligible for CDBG funds. He stated that other than FRS, contingency funds, or public subscription, staff does not have any suggestions about funding the maintenance portion of this facility. Mayor Edmondson inquired if the Southeast Center can operate with the people they have and some of the agencies contracting space stay open and minimum programs be continued safely with a limited amount of money invested. Lou Roederer, Code Manager, stated that if all the work listed in the bids that was on today were to be completed, then those areas could be-used. He stated that the work in the clinic will be minor and is sealed off with no necessity for off-duty firemen. In the multi-purpose room and the auditorium, when there is an event there, the fire guard would still be maintained. He gave a suggestion about the stage area to reduce the size of the stage by 6 feet in the rear making the stage 17 feet reduceing it to under 500 square feet. He stated that when it is above 500 square feet, it needs to be sprinklered. Council member Buchanan asked who II/ pays for the off-duty firemen when there is a meeting in the auditorium. Mr. Roederer compared it with a sporting event held at another facility in which fire -guards are used and stated that that facility pays for the fire guards. City Manager Zais stated that Council had wanted to keep the facility open in any area possible and the facility could not remain open without the fire guards being stationed there. He stated it is a Council policy decision as to whether Council wants to pay to have a fire guard there. Mayor Edmondson asked about the cost of the fire guard for an event held in the evening. Fire Chief Carroll stated that is costing about $700 a week from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and for functions on the weekend. The evening function is probably costing about $60 an evening. Council member Doty expressed concern about paying for the fire guard for any length of time and asked what would happen if that facility was not used for two weeks. Bruce Smith, Acting Director of the Southeast Community Center, stated that they would be in danger of losing federal grants if they closed some programs. 3. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER RE MANAGEMENT OaVENSATION REQUEST FOR 1982 It was the general consensus of the Council to discuss this item during the regular business meeting. BUSINESS MEETING 4. ROLL CALL At 3:30 P.M., the Council members commenced the regular meeting, Mayor Edmondson presiding, Council members Barnett, Buchanan, Carmichael, Doty and Hinman and City Manager Zais and City Attorney Andrews present on roll call. Beauchamp II/ absent. Mayor Edmondson stated that Council member Beauchamp had to leave to attend a special meeting and will return as soon as possible. 5. INVOCATION The Invocation was given by Mayor Edmondson. 6. CONSENT AGENLA Mayor Edmondson referred to the items -placed on the Consent Agenda questioning whether there were any additions or deletions from either Council members or citizens present. Mayor Edmondson stated that a citizen has asked that Items No. 13 and 14 be removed from the Consent Agenda. Council member Carmichael requested that Item No. 12 be added and Council member Buchanan requested that Items No. 19 and 20 be added to 003 OCTOBER 20, 1981 the Consent Agenda. It was the general consensus of the Council that the addition of Items No. 12, 19 and 20 and the deletion of Items No. 13 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 Doty, seconded by Buchanan that the Consent Agenda, as read, be passed. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. Beauchamp absent. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk (*) indicate items on the Consent Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion.) *7. MINUTES The Council minutes of S ep tember 29 and October 6, 1981, were 11/ approved, having been duly certified accurate by two Council members and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly. Mayor Edmondson stated there has been a request that Item No. 10 be discussed now, out of sequence of the Agenda. It was the general consensus of the Council to discuss Item No. 10 at this time. 10. REPAIRS TO THE SOUTHEAST ODMMUNITY CENTER BUILDING WITHOUT CALLING FOR BIDS Council member Hinman excused himself from discussion on this item due to possible conflict of interest. Ines Rice, 4409 Arlington, stated she is opposed to Council purchasing the items without going through the bid process. She stated that the citizens voted against doing this and this is pertinent to Item No. 13 on the Agenda also. Ken Coffin, CDBG Manager, stated that the contract was based on the work priority that was established for the exiting of people out of the building. The low bid received was for $19,311.56 from Stephens and Sons Construction. Mayor Edmondson asked hcw much Community Development money there is available to spend on this project. Mr. Coffin stated there is $17,700 from the Community Carden and Clean-up Program from 1981 money. He stated that part of this money has not yet been received by the City fran the insurance canpany covering the theft of a piece of equipment at the Center. There was $20,000 from 1982 funds authorized for the roof and $10,000 frcm contingency for organizational development. Mayor Edmondson inquired if Council authorizes this resolution, would it be obligating 1981 and 1982 funds for the Center and Mr. Coffin stated that it would. Resolution No. D-4561, having been read by title, it was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Carmichael to adept the resolution. It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Doty that the resolution be amended to fill in the blanks to include the amount of the bid, $17,311.56. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Hinman not voting due to possible conflict of interest. Beauchamp II/ " absent. The question was called for the vote on the motion, as amended. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Hinman not voting due to possible conflict of interest. Beauchamp absent. RESOLUTION NO. D-4561, A RESOLUTION authorizing a contract for work, labor and materials with Stephen & Sons Construction for rehabilitation work on the Southeast Community Center Building, without calling for formal bids. 3. REPORT RE MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION REQUEST FOR 1982 City Manager Zais stated that management does not negotiate for compensation. He stated that the proposal that has been reviewed and forwarded to Council is to maintain the current level of benefits and to increase salaries by 5% for 1982. He stated he thinks that approach demonstrates leadership by the management in trying to keep the cost dawn for 1982. Mayor Edmondson commented that this is usually done after all negotiations have been settled. She stated that the Police and Fire have two-year contracts and the Police will receive a 10% salary increase for 1982 and the Fire will receive an 8.5% 00 CCTOBER 20, 1981 increase and a reduction of hours. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Carmidhael' 't6 - aCcept the City Manager's recommendation of granting the 5% salary increase and include the City Manager's salary to be increased by 5% for 1982. Larry Wittenberg, Assistant City Manager, stated that the Fire is going to receive 8.05% for 1982. The question was called for the vote on the motion. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Beauchamp absent. 8. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Mayor Edmondson presented a special_ certificate of commendation and appreciation to Police Captain Pleas Green in honor of his graduation from the.F.B.I. Academy. Police Chief LaRue commented that Captain Green graduated with a grade point of 4.0. Captain Green expressed, his appreciation for being permitted to attend the Academy. Mayor Edmondson stated there are three Police Officers who invented a portable fire arms simulator saving the City money, that Council would like to commend. Council members presented a special certificate of commendation and appreciation to Reid. Follansbee and Tom Morey. Police Chief LaRue accepted the certificate on behalf of Ron Fortier who was unable to attend the meeting. Mayor Edmondson commented that these are the first Council appreciation certificates for in-house accomplishments that Council has presented. Mayor Edmondson _proclaimed this weekend as "Yakima Mall Weekend" in celehration of i tenth year birthday. 9. HEARING ON MAYER ODRPORATION PLANNED DEVELOPMENT REQUEST FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 56th AVENUE, AND TILTON DRIVE (TANCARA SUBDIVISION) This being the time fixed for - the hearing on the Mayer Corporation Planned Development request for property located at 56th .Avenue and Tieton Drive, Council member Buchanan inquired if notices were mailed to the people interested in this. Iris Litzenberger, City Clerk, stated that notices were mailed to the surrounding property owners. Mayor Edmondson inquired if the lots are sold would there be any responsibility on the new owners for enforcement of the corivenants. Larry Wright, Acting Director of Community and Economic Development, stated that any building would be reviewed and enforced by the City. He commented that due to the nature of this request it would he difficult to specify some of the elements. He stated that.staff is attempting to .build in, son of the performance type standards that are wanted in the future. Mayor Edmondson questioned the statement in the report about underground utilities. Mr. Wright stated that with the increase of single-family units, that results from this, there may be difficulty in getting all the telephone lines. The developers should work with the telephone company because there might be a potential problem. Council member Barnett J:eferredto page .3 of the findings on the recommendation'of and inquired if the words "should" and "desirable" is meant to be permissive or mandatory. _Commenting,that due to the nature of the review they have _to go :through, Mr. Wright stated that it is _ permissive and not mandatory. Glenn Rice, representing Mayer Corporation, stated that the reason they applied for the planned development is because the City does not have any other vehicle to ,create a single attache d housing situation. He stated they are proposing something that is really innovative in housing. He named several magazine articles about attached single-family units and commented that the housing market is at a low ebb' because of financing and interest rates. This would be a rezone in the center area of Tancara from R-1, single family detached to planned _ development single family attached. He stated that lot costs and building costs can be reduced through the use of zero lot line construction. He distributed a drawing of the kind of unit he is talking about. To clarify.the telephone issue, he stated that each lot has two telephone numbers servicing it. OCTOBER 20, 1981 005 He stated that the subdivision has all the ammenities; street lights, sidewalks, etc. He stated that this concept is not entirely new to Yakima and gave examples of Quail Run and the McCargar units. He stated that their original proposal was to take 105 lots in the center of the subdivision for single-family attache d housing. He stated they would like to build as many of them in the Center of the subdivision as the market dictates. He stated they have protected neighbors by leaving single-family detached lots on the sides and to the north. He stated that this is a FHA/VA qualified subdivision. He stated that this idea exists in Quail Run at 53rd Avenue and Tieton, McCargar Addition, 50th Avenue and Tieton, Vardar Addition, area to the west of the subdivision and High View Court, 35th Avenue and Englewood, and distributed some II/ pictures of these developments. He stated that the City Planning staff and Planning Commission chose not to follow Mr. Mayer's request for 105 lots, suggesting that the density or unknown aesthetic value would be jeopardized by this proposal. He reminded Council that there is an 80 foot street dividing the subdivision and 60 foot right of ways all the way around and sidewalks on most of the streets. After mudh discussion, he stated they reduced the project to 71 lots and outlined them on that and described the boundaries. The Planning Commission recommended 30 lots from the negotiated 71 lots which increases the use of that area by only 15 houses. He stated that they have spent more money than 15 houses would be worth and this would not create the innovative lot density mix or affordable housing. He stated that the side yards for the small 35 foot lots do not need to be more than five foot close because there is roam in back and a 20 foot yard in the front and if you butt those together, you have 10 feet between the units which is at least equal to single-family. Gene Mayer, Developer, commented on the price range originally intended and the impact inflation and interest rates have had on that price. He stated that he would like to keep these houses in the $55,000 to $65,000 range. There was further clarification on the number of lots originally requested for this project and the process which reduced it to 30. Mr. Rice stated that they would like to have as many lots approved as the market would bear. Upon questioning, Mr. Rice clarified the issue on the side yard requirement stating that the 16 foot required is more than what is required for single-family housing. Mr. Rice asked for clarification on -Item #C on page 3 in the memo of Findings. Larry Wright stated that the residents residing within the vicinity of this development wants to make sure that the units being constructed in this area not get into a similar situation as those at 48th and Tieton. They have suggested that perhaps one of the neighbors sit on the Design Review Team the development already has, which was discouraged by staff. They then suggested that staff be a proponent for the neighbors which he stated would not be too difficult a Chore. City Attorney Andrews stated that the committee that II/ is being discussed has for its primary purpose, the object to enforce the restrictive covenants in that development. He stated that by interjecting the staff in that position puts the City in an area where we have not previously been. Mt. Mayer commented that if it would only be applicable to this development, he would not mind. Bill Hayes, Executive Officer for the Hanebuilders Association, showed an article from today's Herald-Republic newspaper about housing starts ebbing towards a 20 year law. He spoke in support of this planned development, stating that the City needs an incentive to build and this provides that incentive. He stated that building in this area has dropped about 80% from last year which was not a good year. There being no one present wishing to speak in opposition, the public portion of the hearing was closed. It was MOVED by Buchanan to approve the development request with the criteria established by the Planning Commission. The motion failed for lack of a second. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Carmidhael to send it back to the Planning Commission with the camments that they relook at 30 the lot limitation. Mayor Edmondson suggested that a recommendation of 71 or 105 lots be given to the Planning Commission. Larry Wright commented that this would set a 006 OCTOBER 20, 1981 precedent_ of a 4,000 square foot lot. He reported that currently we have 25 to 50 foot Jots in the City now where a common wall construction can be done., This is a unique thing because it a subdivision with more standard sized lots that is being split in half and establishing a precedent for 4,000 square foot lots which is not very big. He commented that many of those lot sizes of those developments which were mentioned are 10,000 to 15,000 square foot lots. He stated this is what the Planning Commission was concerned about and the neighbors were concerned about the 105 units being put there. Council member Hinman stated that the development has a high fence and the single-family houses will buffer it from the _neighbors. Larry Wright commented that this area already as storm drainage problems. Council _member Carmichael commented that there is a huge investment involwd and we are calling for the private sector to become innovative to come up with affordable housing with the requirements we want. It was MOVED by Carmichael seconded by Hinman to amend the motion to put as many units of this, nature as the market will bear up to the maximum of 105 which is their original request. Council member Doty questioned what the Toint.was between the 71 and the 105 lots. Larry Wright stated that 56th Avenue is designed to carry a high volume of traffic and if you increase the number of curb_cuts and the number of vehicles entering and exiting, then you decrease the loading factor on that street. He stated that staff suggested that row of lots along 56th Avenue be a barrier which would then put the unit within that area on each side, within the interior of that subdivision, bringing the number of, lots down to 71. The original request was for 105 and a settlement at the Planning Commission meeting was for 140. He stated that the Planning Commission was undecided,about having the first 20 units built and then have the developer came back to the Planning Commission before building the rest of them. The Planning Commission couldn't get enough votes to pass the building of the 40 units and 30 was a _compromise. Council member Doty asked staff what is so wrong with the 71 and Mr. Wright stated that nothing was wrong with 71 lots., She then asked the developer what is wrong with 71 lots and Mr. Mayer and Mr. Rice stated that nothing is wrong with 71. Mr. Mayer stated that the. Planning Commission has a letter from Congdon Orchards saying they have no opposition to the building of these, units along side his orchard. There was discussion regarding the number of lots reqUeted_to be built and the number recommended. Council nember Buchanan commented that Council is supposed to be protecting some of the streets the citizens will be paying for and the taxpayers will be paying for the maintenance of this street and Council should be _ looking at the traffic being generated onto that street. He stated that the neighbors' feelings should also be considered. The question was called for the vote on the motion. Carried by 4-2 voice vote. Buchanan and Doty voting nay. Beauchamp absent. The question was called for the vote on the motion as, amended. Council member Doty stated she would vote no because 71 was acceptable to the developer and we are ignoring it and it would make it more acceptable to the neighborhood. Carried by 4-2 voice vote. Buchanan and Doty voting nay. Beauchamp absent. -Mayor Edmondson: questioned if there were no changes to the Findings being recommended and it was the general consensus of the Council that that is correct. 11. RENEWAL AND EXTENSION OF AGREEMENT WITH APWA, I. FOR AIRPORT PARBING LOT OPERATIONS Resolution No. D-4562 having been read by title, it was MOVED by Carmidiael, seconded by Doty that the Resolution be adopted. Unanimously carried by,roll call vote. Beauchamp absent., RESOLUTION NO. D-4562, A RESOLUTION_ authorizing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute a "Renewal and Extension Agreement" with APcOA, Inc. for the operation and management of parking facilities at the Yakima Air Terminal. OCTOBER 20, 1981 007 *12. LEGAL SERVICES FOR 16TH AND LINCOLN AVENUE INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT RESOLUTION NO. D-4563, A RESOLUTION engaging Lyon, Beaulaiirier, Weigand, Suko and Gustafson to perform legal services in connection with 16th Avenue and Lincoln Avenue intersection improvements. 13. EMERGENCY REPAIR OF A WATER INTAKE PUMP WITHOUT CALLING FOR BIDS Mayor Edmondson commented that this it was removed by a citizen who is no longer present in the audience. Resolution No. D-4564, having been read by title, it was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Doty that the Resolution be adopted. II/ Unanimously carried by roll call vote. Beauchamp absent. RESOLUTION NO. D-4564, A RESOLUTION authorizing the emergency repair of a water intake pump without calling for bids. 14. ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT INCREASE FOR 05 CONTRACT AT WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT Mayor Edmondson commented that the citizen who requested that this item be removed from the Consent Agenda is no longer present. Resolution No. D-4565, having been read by title, it was MOVED by Carmidhael, seconded by Hinman that the Resolution be adopted. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. Beauchamp absent. RESOLUTION NO. D-4565, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to States execute an agreement accepting an offer from the United Environmental Protection Agency for a grant of funds to aid construction of water pollution control facilities. *15. FINAL CONTRACT PAYMENT FOR 1981 CD PAVING PROJECT The report from the Director of Engineering and Utilities dated 10/20/81 with respect to the completion of the work on the 1981 Community Development Paving Project performed by Columbia Asphalt and Gravel was approved, the work accepted and payment of the final estimates as therein set forth was authorized. *16. SET DATE OF HEARING ON MILDRED A. CAHOON ESTATE ANNEXATION The date of hearing on the Mildred A. Cahoon estate annexation for property located in the vicinity of No. 48th Avenue and Webster Road was set for November 3, 1981. *17. SET DATE OF HEARING ON DENTAN ASSOCIATES REZONE REQUEST November 3, 1981 was set as the date of hearing on the Dentan II/ Associates rezone request for property located at 401 So. 13th Avenue. 18. ORDINANCE RELATING TO SALARIES AND FRINGE BENEFITS FOR THE MAYOR AND OTHER COUNCIL MEMBERS (Council member Beauchamp present after 5:35 p.m.) Ordinance No. 2556, having been read by title, it was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Buchanan that the Ordinance be passed. Council member Carmichael spoke about her concerns About the salaries being paid on a quarterly basis, however, City Attorney Andrews stated that this is a provision of the City Charter. There was discussion regarding the proposed salaries for the Council members and Council member Carmichael brought up her concerns regarding the establishment of a fund at the Visitors & Convention Bureau. City Manager Zais stated that it would not take much time to create a new fund. The question was called for the vote on the motion. Carried by 4-3 roll call vote. Barnett, Carmichael and Edmondson voting nay. 00.8 OCTOBER 20, 1981 ORDINANCE NO. 2556, AN ORDINANCE relating to City government personnel; specifying the salaries and fringe benefits for the Mayor and other City Council memberS; enacting Section 2.20.094 as a nea section and repealing Sections 2.20.093 and 2.20.095, all of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. *19. ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING FUNDS FROM THE PBIA FUND TO PURCHASE A BUS SHELTER •-• FIRST READING - - An Ordinance appropriating funds from the PBIA Fund to purdhase a bus shelter having been read by title only, was _laid on the table for one week or until Tuesday, October 27, 1981. *20. ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND OFFICE SPACE - FIRST READING An Ordinance appropriating funds for computer sofeware and Office space modifications having been read by title only, was laid on the table for one week or until Tuesday, October 27, 1981. 21. OTHER BUSINESS INFORMATION ITEMS Items of information supplied to Council were: Memo from Acting Dir. of Community & Economic Development re: Ron Hatfield Utility Request (Sewer). 10/13/81; memo fran Acting Dir. of Ctmmunity & Economic Development re: Outside 'Utility Request (Sewer) Parcel #191320-32449. 10/6/81; article fran Wall Street Journal re: "High Rates Pose Big Problem for Localities' Financing Plans". 10/6/81; articles from Business Week Magazine dated 10/6/81 and 10/13/81 re: RepUblic Airlines; letter fran Mrs. George Collins re: Action Camp at McKinley Grade School. 10/12/81; letter from Ken Pottenger, President, Yakima Board of Realtors re: loss of hares due to delinquent irrigation assessments. 10/13/81; September 28, 1981 Utility Rate Advisory Board meeting minutes; and COG Newsletter dated October 2, 1981. 22. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourn the. hour of 5:45 p.m. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY DATE /1-- /6-4 COUNCIL MEMBER /41,4 DATE 11 Th COUNCIL FIBER ATTEST: O CITY r ,MAYOR . _