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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/30/1980 Adjourned Meeting :GLr ADJOURNED MEETING -- JULY 30, 1980 -- JOINT MEETING - COUNTY COMMISSIONERS The City Council and the Yakima County Commissioners met in joint session on this date at 10:00 A.M. in the Court House to discuss CENTRA - the proposed multi-purpose building at the Fairgrounds. Present were Council members Mayor Betty L. Edmondson, Lynn Buchanan, Lynn Carmichael, Bruce Crest and Shirley Doty and City Manager Dick Zais. County Commissioners present were Les Conrad, Chuck Klarich and Graham Tollefson. Council members Beauchamp and Hinman absent. County Commissioner Tollefson opened the meeting and gave a background recap of the proposal, stating that over a year ago a committee of lay people were appointed and asked what could be done to develop the Fairgrounds to benefit the County. They came up with the idea of the proposed multi-purpose facility. Gary Lukehart, Fred Zwiesler and other committee members were present to discuss the proposal and to answer questions. Mr. Lukehart explained that the proposed facility would handle 14,000 persons, with 10,000 permanent seating capacity and would be able to accommodate such events as football games, large concerts, etc. There was discussion regarding presenting a bond issue to the electors in the amount of ($15,000,000) fifteen million dollars,to construct the building in 1982, II/ and the fact that the committee is interested in getting the approval of the County and the City to put this matter to a vote of the people. Also, discussion regard- ing maintenance costs of operating the proposed facility, included possible revenue to be received from certain fairground events such as horse races, the Fair, gate receipts, etc., and hoped for revenue from room tax. The Committee feels that the proposed facility and events to be held there will generate occupancy of motels which in turn will cause revenues from the room tax to greatly increase. They are asking for the County and City to approve the use of the excess amount of room tax, over what is currently received,to pay the maintenance costs of the proposed facility are not covered by the general revenues collected. City Manager Zais distributed room tax figures which reflect' how much has been received from the County and the City)and the expenditures that have been made from these funds to the Capitol Theatre and the Yakima Center. He explained that at this time, there isn't any additional revenue coming in from the room tax receipts over what is necessary for these expenditures. Mr. Zwiesler assured the Commissioners and Council members that they are not interested in looking at the current receipts but only asking for the amount of room tax over the amount that is now being collected -- when additional fees are received from an increase of occupancy in the motels and hotels. He also stated that he feels if the proposed building is not built in Yakima, that it will be built somewhere else, probably the Tri-Cities. There was discussion regarding the use of room tax monies for the Capitol Theatre and the Yakima Center. Also, Council members indicated they would support the proposed facility if it is not in competition with the Yakima Center. Mr. Luke- hart stated the new facility would not be available for smaller groups that can be handled by the Yakima Center. Commissioner Conrad explained that they are holding a public meeting on whether this matter should go on the ballot and it is very important to have input from the City Council today, on whether they will participate. After discussion, it was the general consensus of the Council members that they are in favor of supporting the proposed multi-purpose building at the Fairgrounds and in considering dedicatinga percentage portion of room tax funds above probably starting in 1983. 43b0,000 received, There being no further business to come before the County Commissioners and the City Council, the meeting adjourned. For the purpose of City Council meeting regulations, it was MOVED by Crest, seconded by Carmichael that this meeting be adjourned at 11:05 A.M.: carried, Buchanan, Crest, Doty, Edmondson and Carmichael voting aye by voice vote. Beauchamp and Hinman absent. I READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BIOLALLL 4 11 - DATE ell Pli /' 40 - DATE sa 5P0 COUNCILMAN ATTEST: City Cler / .974‘724ffnzie-del kr ,Yor,