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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/22/1981 Study Session g SEPTEMBER 22, 1981 STUDY SESSION The City Council met in session on this date at 1:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Council members present were Mayor Betty L. Edmondson, Clarence Barnett, Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan, Lynn Carmichael, Shirley Doty and Don Hinman. 1. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER Mayor Edmondson reported that Council has been invited to attend the fair on Sunday as their guest for lunch. Mayor Edmondson commented about the article in the paper today regarding Pleas Green graduating fran the FBI Academy and spoke about the difficulty being accepted. She named the 8 Yakima City graduates from this Academy, commenting that that is an exceptionally good record for a city of this size. She complimented Pleas Green on his graduation from the FBI Academy. Mayor Edmondson stated she was surprised to see the article in the paper Sunday regarding irrigation assessment foreclosures. She asked if this should be discussed in an executive session because of the possibility of litigation. Council member Hinman stated he would like to guarantee in the City ordinances that the people would be notified and perhaps any costs to do that could be directed back to that person. Council member Carmichael submitted a list of people who sub- miffed applications for the Cable TV Advisory Commission, denoting those individuals recommended by the Committee for appointment. Mayor Edmondson suggested that Council review this list for one week and then come back with their recommendations. Following discussion, it was the general consensus of the Council to continue this for one week. Council member Doty encouraged the Council members to help the Committee that is working on the street light bond issue. Mayor Edmondson cautioned the Council members to be careful if they engage in this type of-activity. Council member Beauchamp expressed his concern about the sub- stitution of a yield sign for a stop sign on Adams and So. 8th Street. He commented that the residents are inquiring about the substitution. Larry Wright, Acting Director of Community and Economic Development, stated that a report will be caning to Council. Council member Hinman inquired about the status of the Council rules, etc. City Attorney Andreas stated that that is being worked on in his office and some of it should cane to Council shortly. 2. CONTINUATION OF DISCUSSION ON 1982 BUDGET FORECAST It was MOVED by Hinman that the three its that we are absolutely against are alternatives number 7, 8 and 9. The motion died for lack of a second. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Carmidhael to eliminate Items No. 7, 8, 9 and 12 as alternatives for consideration at budget time. Council member Doty questioned elimination of number 9 and Council member Barnett questioned the consideration of Item No. 11. It was MOVED by Barnett, second ed by Hinman, to amend the Motion to include Item No. 11. Council member Doty canmented that Council can't close their minds to increasing fees. The question was called for the vote on the Motion. Failed by 4-3 voice vote. Barnett, Buchanan and Hinman voting aye. Following discussion, it was MOVED by Hinman to amend the Motion so that Item-No.-9 would be included to consider the adjustment in the telephone The Mayor requested that rather than confuse the original motion with lots of amendments, that the vote on the motion be called for and separate motions be made regarding the alternatives. The question was called for the vote on the motion. Failed by 5-2 voice vote. Carmichael and Hinman voting aye. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Doty to eliminate It No. 8 as a LWCI- SEPTEMBER 22, 1981 possibility. Unanimously carried by voice vote. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Carmichael to eliminate Item No. 7 as a possibility. Council member Doty stated that that should be discussed between the management the employees. Council member Hinman stated that it only saves approximately $32,000 and is not worth it for the disruption of services to the public. The question was called for the vote on the motion. Failed by 6-1 voice vote. Hinman voting aye. It was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Hinman that on Item No. 9, we support the idea that staff lock into whatever needs to be done to adjust the utility tax on telephones to keep our revenues sufficient. Carried by 6-1 voice vote. Barnett voting nay. City Attorney Andrews asked if Council wants staff to look at the Other utility taxes. It was the general consensus of the Council to try to manage without increasing any other utility taxes. It was the general consensus of the Council to explore Item No. 10. It was the general consensus of the Council to leave Item No. 11 on as a possible option. It was MOVED by Barnett, seconded by Doty to not increase the animal license fee, Item No. 12. Mayor Edmondson inquired if this motion means that it is all right to explore the increase of animal impound fees and Council member Barnett stated that it does mean that. Following discussion, the question was called for the vote on the motion. Carried by 4-3 voice vote. Beauchamp, Buchanan and Carmichael voting nay by voice vote. Referring to Item No. 1, Council member Barnett suggested that staff lock at reducing score of the supervisory layers and it was the general consensus of the Council to ask staff to do that. Council member Hinman suggested looking at cutting back energy costs where possible and Council. .member Carmichael suggested that staff reduce supply and duplicating costs. Council member Barnett requested a report on travel for all departments for 1981 and proposed for 1982. Council member Beauchamp inquired if money could be saved by employees using their awn vehicles rather than taking City vehicles home when they are on call. Council member Hinman stated that staff should look at the number of personnel in the support divisions, i.e., Personnel, Finance and Purchasing and discussion followed regarding the number of personnel in those offices and the number proposed for 1982. Mayor Edmondson again expressed her concern about changing the Code to allow the serving of liquor at the Senior Citizen Center. It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Doty that we are apposed to ,Item B. under the policy issues re: Senior Citizen Center serving alcoholic beverages and the Senior Citizen Center becoming more than a referral agency and maintain its current furnishing of services. Council member Hinman stated that he does not think it would be detrimental to allow the Senior Citizen Center to rent the building and serve liquor. The question was called for the vote on the motion. Carried by 4-3 voice vote. Beaudhamp, Buchanan and Hinman voting nay by voice vote. Discussion followed regarding the percentage of subsidy to some of the parks programs and for their irrigation water. It was the general consensus of the Council to monitor it for another year. There was some further discussion regarding the storm drainage study and the request for a special burglary unit in the Police_Department. , 4. TRANSFER OF CITY PROPERTY TO YAKIMA HOUSING AUTHORITY It was the general consensus of the Council to discuss this item during the regular business session. EXECUTIVE SESSION It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Buchanan to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing prospective litigation. Unanimously carried by voice vote. S ? 3 --- 3 SEPTEMBER 22, 1981 BUSINESS MEETING 5. ROLL CALL At 3:20 P.M., the Council members commenced the regular meeting, Mayor Betty L. Edmondson presiding, Council members Barnett, Beaudiamp, Budhanan, Carmichael, Doty and Hinman and Acting City Manager Fred Andrews present on roll call. 6. INVOCATION The Invocation was given by Council member Clarence Barnett. It was MOVED by Hinman, second ed by Beauchamp that staff prepare legislation to ensure that there be a requirement that either personal service be given to the people that the City is foreclosing on or a process by which certified mail will be used with return receipt requested and any cost of that service be assessed on the person that the foreclosure is being acted upon. Unanimously carried by voice vote. 7. OONSENT AGENDA Mayor Edmondson referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda questioning whether there were any additions or deletions frcm either Council members or citizens present. Mayor Edmondson stated that there is an off-agenda item, No. 19A, which is an ordinance appropriating funds for the Park Department, second reading. It was the general consensus of the Council that Item No. 19A be added to the Consent Agenda. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda its including resolutions and ordinances by title. It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Doty that the Consent Agenda, as read, be passed. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk (*) indicate items on the Consent Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion.) 4. TRANSFER OF CITY PROPERTY TO YAKIMA HOUSING AUTHORITY It was the general consensus of the Council to deviate fran the Council Agenda by discussing It No. 4 at this time. Council member Doty asked what the square footage of the lot was. Larry Wright, Acting Director of Community and Economic Development, explained that the lot was 4,000 square feet with the required setbacks. It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Doty that staff be instructed to prepare legislation which would declare this prcperty surplus prcperty and transfer the ownership to the Housing Authority with the commitment for development design of this prcperty that is acceptable to the City. Unanimously carried by voice vote. 8. MINUTES The Council minutes of August 25 and September 1, 1981 were approved having been duly certified accurate by two Council members and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly. 9. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Ines Rice, 4409 W. Arlington, thanked the City Council regarding their previous motion concerning the foreclosure procedure for delinquent irrigation bills. Mayor Edmondson advised Council that the week of September 14-18 was National Square Dance Week. LiFq- 4 / SEPTEMBER 1981 10. HEAPING ON REZONE REQUEST BY DENTAN ASSOCIATES FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 401 SOUTH 13TH AVENUE This being the time set for the hearing on the rezone requested by Dentan Associates for property located at 401 So. 13th Avenue, Larry Wright, Acting Director of Community & Economic Development, reviewed the proposal made by staff. He explained that the Planning Ccmmission - had reviewed the proposal and the three primary findings which led to the denial was that the prcposal does not conform to the adopted general plan of the City; that if a need exists for the expansion of the Medical Center then it should occur in areas designated by the plan and that it was a unanimous vote by the Planning Commission, based on two members indicating that they were in favor of the - proposed parking lot, but in order to - expedite the project were voting no. He stated that there is not a ccuswehensive plan amendment that specifically covers the area covered-by the Medical Center, but it is included by reference, in the CBD plan as a portion of the activity that should go on-in the vicinity of the CBD. Mr. Wright explained that in the plan for the City of Yakima, the expansion for the Medical Center is defined as being east of where it is currently located, somewhere between Walnut and Yakima Avenue, more toward the CBD. Mr. Wright explained that there is existing zoning for the office building, but not the parking lot. He also explained that the off-street parking ordinance requires that off-street parking he provided in the same zone or by going through the planned development procedure and modify. Mayor Edmondson asked haw long it had been zoned apprcpriately for an office building? 'Mt. Wright explained that it has been zoned since 1971. - Dr. David Williams, 1312 Reservoir Road, advised Council that Dentan Associates was before Council today to ask permission to place a planned development project in an area that is now zoned R-2. Dr. Williams stated that to convince they needed to 1) prove that there is a basic need for expansion of the Medical Center; 2) the plan proposed by Dentan has sane good merit; 3) that perhaps they are also planners in their own right. Dr. Williams reviewed the history of the Medical Center expansion with reference to maps. Dr. Williams went on to explain the placement of ancillary services within the Medical Center and the benefits derived from them frcm the doctor as well as the patient. Dr. Ben Hammett, 5011 Douglas Drive, an internist with Dr. Williams, gave Council an overview of the Yakima Medical Center and its conveniences. Dr. Hammett explained that Dentan has decided to build a 6,000 square foot medical building and that they needed to have an additional 3,000 square feet of parking space. Dentan was able to find that additional parking space, even though it was in an R-2 zoned area, so 401 So. 13th Avenue was purchased to provide parking for staff. 'Council member Beauchamp asked if this property for the proposed parking lot would be the farthest developed piece of property west in the Medical Center? Dr. Hammett advised Council that it would be, to the best of his kncwledge. Council member Carmichael asked if any attempt had been made by Dentan to discuss this with the citizens before it was actually done? Dr. Hammett explained that Dentan had tried on numerous occasions to discuss this with the neighborhood, and that they could- understand their concerns. He went on to explain that since traffic was a major concern of the neighborhood residents, with staff coming to work between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m., leaving for lunch and going home between 5:00 and 5:30 p.m., there wouldn't really be that much more traffic. Council member Beauchamp asked if Dentan was willing to develop the project, taking into consideration citizens' input? Dr. Hammett responded that Dentan was very willing. Rod Knipper, Architect for Dentan Associates, referred to the maps on the Medical Center expansion. Mr. Knipper distributed drawings depicting the centroid of the Medical Center and the hospital and its sphere of influence in the terms of its need for expansion. Referring to another drawing, Mr. Knipper explained the four zones on the map, south being a B-2 zone; north being a B-2 LIY(1-- SEPTEMBER 22, 1981 zone also, which would not have a good potential for growth due to its busy streets and St. Elizabeth Medical Center. He went on to explain that there were only two areas for potential expaninsion; east, which is zoned R-3 and is some- what blocked off by nursing homes and apartments, and west, which is zoned R-2, a nice neighborhood which is adjacent to the Medical Center. 'Mr. Knipper distributed photographs of the house which would be torn down in order to put in the parking lot, if approved, explaining that the parking lot would sit back along the setback line of the houses in the neighborhood; be lighted, fenced and landscaped. Dr. Tim Melhorn, 1408 Reservoir Road, was present to speak in favor of the parking lot proposal. Dr. Melhorn explained that Dentan Associates had gone door to door and held a meeting at their offices to discuss the parking lot. He advised Council that a survey was taken by one of the employees on the traffic flow on 13th and Spruce. The employee took the survey every morning for one hour keeping track of hcw many cars go through, how many children go through, how many cars came into park and how many cars leave. The survey showed that approximately 24 cars and 30 children used that area between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. and between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m., it dropped off to an average of 9 cars and 4 children. John Klingele, 1312 W. Walnut, present to speak against the parking lot proposal, advised Council that he had lived in that area for the past 20 years. Mr. Klingele stated that no study had been done and no direction had been given in planning by Dentan, the City or the Planning Commission on the Medical Center expansion. Mr. Klingele suggested that perhaps the neighborhood residents should decide what direction the Medical Center should go, when it should expand and how, in conjunction with Dentan. Mr. Klingele questioned the need for the parking lot, due to the fact that another parking lot is situated near that new proposed medical building which isn't being utilized. Mayor Edmondson asked for clarification on whether it was demanded on a building that size that they have to have attach ed parking to it? Mr. Wright responded that they have to have parking within 300 feet in the same zone. Judy Bedard, 316 So. 13th Avenue, being present to speak against the parking lot proposal, advised Council that she hadn't been contacted by Dentan to attend any meetings. Mrs. Bedard explained that she liked the area, but was opposed to the parking lot because of the possible traffic problems that may occur. She felt that the Medical Center needed a plan for expansion. Judy Metz, 318 So. 13th Avenue, said that she was against the rezone for the reasons previously stated. Mark Porath, 404 So. 13th Avenue being present to speak against the parking lot, explained to Council that he moved in that area three years ago because of the loation and zoning. Mr. Porath suggested that perhaps Dentan should look into the vacant lots available that are not in use. Rena Case, 317 So. 13th Avenue, being present to speak against the rezone, explained that she and her husband were the instigators of the petition apposing the rezone. She reported that out of 40 residents, 33 had signed although many were not aware of the sale of the property. She told Council that many residents were disturbed because no one had contacted them on their feelings on the rezone. Viola Schauf, 403 So. 13th Avenue, present to speak on the subject, stated that she lived next door to the proposed lot. Mrs. Sdhauf explained that Dentan Associates had promised that they would construct a fence 5 feet high made out of cedar which would border her house on one side. Mayor Edmondson advised Mts. Sdhauf that if Council decided in favor of the rezone that the architect would probably be willing to work with her. Dr. David Williams presented the Dentan Associates summary, placing emphasis on the location of labs within the Medical Center and that property value would probably increase with a rezone. Mayor Edmondson advised Council that they had only two options; to confirm the denial of the Planning Commission or to refer it back to the Planning Commission. Council member Doty stated that she did not like the options, but she thought it necessary for the Medical Center to expand. She suggested that perhaps a planning group for the Medical Center needed to pL1-2 SEPTEMBER 22, 1981 be established to look at expansion. It was MOVED by Budhanan, seconded by Barnett to refer the rezone back to the Planning Commission. Council member Doty requested clarification on the voting by Planning Commission members. Mr. Wright explained that there were only 7 out of 9 members present, and two abstained foam voting. The question was called for the vote on the motion. Carried by 4-3 roll call vote. Carmichael, Doty and Hinman noting nay. 11. HEARING ON REDONE REQUES+ BY MAYER CORPORATION FOR PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE VICINITY OF 56TH AVENUE AND TIETON DRIVE This being the time set for the hearing on the rezone requested by the Mayer Corporation for property located in the vicinity of 56th Avenue and Tieton Drive, there was a request from the Mayer Corporation that, the hearing be continued 11/ thirty days. James Themelus, 5314 Webster Court, being present to talk to the subject, stated that the continuance was alright with him. It was NDVED by Hinman, seconded by Carmichael to continue the hearing to 10/20/81 at 3:00 P.M. Unanimously carried by voice vote. *12. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF BUS NDTOR WITHOUT CALLING FOR BIDS RESOLUTION NO. D-4546, A RESOLUTION authorizing the purchase of a rebuilt diesel engine and component parts without calling for bids. *13. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING LETTER OF AGREEMENT FOR PAYING COURT APPOINTED ATTORNEY FEES RESOLUTION NO. D-4547, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to accept a letter of agreement for paying court appointed attorney fees for the year 1982. *14. SET DATE OF HEARING DOR RALPH HOLM ANNEXATION The date of the hearing on the Ralph Holm annexation, 1809 W. Lincoln Avenue, was set for October 6, 1981. *15. APPROVAL OF FINAL PAYMENT ON-HIGH-LEVFL STATION The report of the Director of Engineering and Utilities, dated September 19, 1981, with respect to the completion of the High Level Pump Station as performed by Ralph Bishop Construction Company, was approved, the work accepted and payment of the final estimate as therein set forth was accepted. *16. APPROVAL OF FINAL PAYMENT ON SO. 71ST AVENUE SEWER L.I.D. 1031 The report of the Director of Engineering and Utilities, dated 9/17/81, with respect to the completion of the South 71st Avenue Sewer L.I.D. 1031 as performed by Low's Crane and Excavating, was approved, the work accepted and payment of the final estimate as therein set forth was accepted. *17. OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL REQUEST FOR RICK PETTYJOHN, INFORMATION SYSTEMS The out-of-state travel request for Rick Pettyjohn, Acting Information Systems Manager to Natick, Massachusetts, October 18-30, 1981, to attend PRIME Computer Project Leader Course, was approved. *18. ORDINANCE RENUMBERING CERTAIN CHAPTERS IN THE MUNICIPAL ODDE BOOK OF THE CITY OF YAKIMA ORDINANCE NO. 2551, AN ORDINANCE relating to funds and accounts; and renumbering Chapter 3.93, "Water Operating Fund", and Chapter 3.04, "Sewer Operating Fund", of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. Lag - 7 SEPTEMBER 22, 1981 19. OTHER BUSINESS ITEMS OF INFORMATION Items of information supplied to Council were: memo from Acting Director of Community and Economic Development re: Outside Utility Connection requested by Bruce Goebel for water service to property at 2311 Englewood Avenue. 9/17/81; memo from Acting Director of Community and Economic Development re: Outside Utility Connection requested by United Builders of Washington, Inc. for sewer to four duplex lots in Storm Nob Hill Addition No. 2. 9/16/81; memo from Acting Director of Community and Economic Development re: Outside Utility Connection requested by Mr. and Mrs. Dahlgren for water and sewer service to property at 1424 So. 18th Street. 9/14/81; letters to Mrs. Melford from Supervising Traffic Engineer re: Central Avenue. 9/14/81; memo from Transit Manager re: 8/81 Revenue and Ridership. 9/15/81; 7/21/81 and 8/18/81 Police & Fire Civil Service Commission minutes; and 9/1/81 Planning Commission minutes. *19A. ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE PARKS DEPARTMENT - SECOND READING ORDINANCE NO. 2552, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1981 Budget for the City of Yakima and appropriating money within 131-Parks and Recreation Fund for expenditure during the year 1981. 21. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to cane before the Council, it was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Beauchamp that this meeting be adjourned at the hour of 5:40 P.M. 1 / / READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY Aria. -a•-aw-am-...m_ DATE4-/O-gi e4UNC MEMBER DATE 11 Ai COUNCIL MEMBER ATTEST: . . of , /. 41r 4 , 7 • -•"/i CI 7 TY0.RK / MAYOR Inadvertently left blank