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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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COUNCIL MEMBER
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