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.
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