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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/20/1979 Business Meeting 196 FEBRUARY 20, 1979 The City Council net in session on this date at 8:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of .City _Hall, Yakima, Washington, Mayor Betty Edmondson presiding, Council members Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan, Jack Sparling and Gordon Wbnder, and City Manager Zais and City Attorney 'Ahdrews present on roll call.- Council, members Hinman and :Lee absent. , -It was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Sperling that Council members Hinman and Lee be excused fran this meeting: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Sparling and Wonder voting aye by voice vote., Hinman and Lee absent. The _Invocation was given by Councilman Sparling. Mayor Edmondson referred to the its placed on the Consent Agenda questioning Whether there were any additions or deletions fran either Council members or citizens present. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including a Resolution, by title. It wasJADVED by Wonder, seconded by Beauchamp that the Consent Agenda, as read, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Sparling and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Hinman and Lee absent. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk (*) indicate items on the Consent Agenda to be handled under one motion without further discussion.) Eugene von Gohren, representing the Yakima Valley Society of Artists and Yakima Camera Club, having over 200 members, expressed their apposition to sane of the requirements given in the Art Selection Guidelines for art at the Yakima Center. He submitted a letter dated. February 19, 1979, Which lists their recommended modifications of the guidelines for the selection of art work for the Yakima Center, as follows: Paragraph 3 should be changed to read -"only work of a professional quality will be considered worthy of purchase for the Center", and delete "definition of professional artists" and lines a through e. Paragraphs 5, 6, 7, and 9 should be deleted fran the proposed application for Commission for Art. Add "including size and media" to paragraph 8. Following discussion, it was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Beauchamp that the concerns as presented by Eugene von Gorhen, be presented to the Art Selection Committee via the Yakima Center for their input: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Sparling and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Hinman and 'Lee absent. Mayor Edmondson read an excerpt fran Resolution No. D-4040, expressing appreciation and commendation to the nine bus drivers who received Safety Awards fran the National Safety Council, and stated that a 4?a copy of the Resolution will be given to the Transit Division as soon as all Council members sign the Resolution. Dave Rodriquez, Transit Driver, was present on behalf of the nine drivers to accept this cammendation. It was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Sparling that Resolution No. D-4040, extending appreciation and commendation to City bus drivers for receiving safety awards fran the National Safety Council, be passed: carried, Buchanan, Edmondson, Sparling, Wonder and Beaudhamp'voting aye by voice vote. Hinman and Lee absent. RESOLUTION NO. D-4040, A RESOLUTION of recognition and commendation to Yakima Transit and to Johnnie Adams, Pete Brown, Gordon Geise, Charlotte Johnson, Gary Karnes, Bill Payton, Eugene Rice, Dave Rodriquez and Ken Wilson, on the occasion of the award of certificate of commendation to Yakima Transit and individual safe driver awards to these nine drivers by the National Safety Council. Carol Darby, Director of Community Development, reported that the three member Council Committee on Housing (Beauchamp, Lee and Edmondson sitting in because Hinman was ill) net with the State Auditors for an exit conference on the Housing Authority. She stated that staff recammends that Council not take any action on this Housing Authority contract until such a time as the Housing Authority Board and Executive Director have met with the State Auditors and received their findings. Councilman Wonder inquired if the Auditors findings are public information. City Attorney Andrews stated that that information is not public in the sense that it is a preliminary report of the State Examiners, and it has not been put in writing. It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Wonder to accept the recanmendation of staff regarding the contract for services to the Yakima Housing Authority: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Sparling and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Hinman and Lee absent. Maud Scott, 309 South 8th FEBRUARY 20, 1979 197 Street, spoke to the Council regarding her dissatisfaction with the • Housing Authority's method of selecting a site for their housing development without any communication with the residents in that area around Fair Avenue, prior to them receiving a construction date. She stated that the neighbors are concerned about the impact this large development would have on the schools in that immediate area, which they investigated, and was told that the Housing Authority had inquired about the impact from the development on a district wide basis. She also reported that the Housing Authority is considering a site about two blocks from this, in which to locate some of the 80 units Which are in the process of being approved. She stated that she had briefly reviewed the budget of the Housing Authority and thought that it was too high. Ines Rice, 4409 West Arlington, spoke in opposition to the housing development, stating that it will lad( like a ghetto, and would contribute to the City's crime prOblem. She stated that it appears Council has no control over the Housing Authority. Betty Gaudette, 701 No. 6th Street, spoke in opposition to the large housing development, stating that Barge-Lincoln School is already at its capacity and questioned the way the Housing Authority is operating. Miss Darby, Director of Community Development, stated that this will be discussed again in approximately two weeks. Council members next considered the Outside Utility Request filed by Richard Abhold for property located at 40th Avenue and Nob Hill Blvd. Charles RiemOke, Associated Realtors, representing Mr. Abhold, distributed a letter giving background information on the outside utility request. He reported that according to the Nob Hill Blvd. Plan, developed by Preston Shepherd, only an additional 4 foot of right-of-way is needed for_any improvement to the intersection. He stated that the owner would be willing to dedicate the 14 foot if nedessary. He stated that the owner is opposed to the recommendation by staff that the plan be redesigned to 'eliminate access to Nab Hill Boulevard, stating that would seriously affect the business in an adverse manner. He stated that the site plan, which includes curb cuts on Nob Hill Blvd., was approved by the County Planning staff When the property was rezoned by the County. Mr. Robinson, Arctic Circle representative, .gave information regarding traffic flow, stating that Arctic Circle does not generate a high volume of traffic. He showed a drawing of the site plan and stated that the traffic can be ,controlled at this site by signs on the property. He stated that the County has approved this already and if necessary, they will get septic tank approval. Larry Wright,' Principal Planner, reported on the Planning Commission's recommendation and gave some background information regarding the procedures followed that brought this matter before the council. He stated that the plan could be revised so that it would be tenable. Discussion followed regarding the Planning Commission's recommendation to eliminate access to Nob Hill Boulevard, and it was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Buchanan to send this Outside Utility Request back to the Planning Commission for their re-consideration. Following further discussion, the question was called, for the vote on the motion: carried, Edmondson, Wbnder, Beauchamp and Buchanan voting, aye on roll call. Sparling voting nay. Hinman and Lee absent. It was the general consensus of the Council that the report on oversized street name signs, submitted by the City Engineer, be accepted. Stating that Council member Lee has expressed concern regarding the left turns at 2nd Street and Yakima Avenue, it was MOVED by wbnder, seconded by Beauchamp that this report be continued for one week until Council member Lee is present: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Sparling and, Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Hinman and Lee absent. Carol Darby, Director of Community Development, gave a brief summary of the proposed UDAG project. She stated that it would take staff approximately eight months to one year to prepare the information for the application. , She reported that there are 82 applications submitted in Washington, D.C., of Which 32 have been approved. . She also reported that Spokane has submitted an application similar to this and it has not been funded. It was her recommendation that no action betaken on this matter until after the land management program has been completed. She -also reported that there have been 63 regulation changes in the last six months, of which, 29 have been of the type that would impact the program and change our complete approach. Mayor Edmondson inquired if there are any alternatives to address the storm drainage plan and the access streets. Miss Darby stated that circulation ,problems will be the target of one of our neighborhood programs in the -Comprehensive Plan. City 198 FEBRUARY 20, 1979 Manager Zais reported that storm drainage will be covered under the Joint Plan with the County. He stated that staff does not feel it would be to the City's advantage to pursue the UDAG grant. Betty Gaudette, 701 No. 6th Street, stated that the traffic flow in that area is bad and access is a problem. She also space briefly about the PP&L ditch having no cover or fencing. Patty Huff, 713 No. 3rd Street, spoke in support of Mrs. Gaudette's statement. She stated they are apposed to UDAG and development in that area. It was the general consensus of the Council to accept staff's recammendation. *It was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Beauchamp that March 5, 1979 be set' as the date of hearing on a rezone request filed by Mayer Corporation for property located at the northwest corner of East Lincoln and Naches Avenue: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Sperling and Wbnder voting aye on roll call. Hinman and Lee absent. *It was MOVED by Wbnder, seconded by Beauchamp that March 5, 1979 be set as the date of hearing on a rezone request filed by Don Russell for property located at 1802 and 1806 So. 24th Avenue: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Sparling and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Hinman and Lee absent. *It was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Beauchamp that Resolution No. D-4041, setting a date of hearing on the confirmation of irrigation maintenance assessment roll for 1979, for April 1, 1979, be passed: darried„Beaudhamp,..)Budhanan, Edmondson, Sparling and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Hinman and Lee absent. RESOLUTION NO. D-4041, A RESOLUTION setting a date for hearing on the confirmation of the irrigation maintenance assessment roll for the year 1979; and repealing Resolution No. D-4028, adopted January 29, 1979. Iris Litzenberger, City Clerk, reported that one bid was received on the City's call for bids for legal advertising, and that was fran the Yakima-Herald Republic, in the amount of $1.50 per column inch, which is the same as last year. She stated that the Purchasing Agent and herself recommend that the bid be awarded to the Yakima-Herald RepUblic. It was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Sparling to accept the recommendation of the City, Clerk_ and Purchasing Agent and award the City's legal advertising to the Yakima Herald-Republic: carried, Beauchamp, Budhanan, Edmondson, Sparling and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Hinman and Lee absent. Willis White, Public Works Director, reported that a one-man refuse crew was implemented following Council's budget discussion, on a trial basis. He related that they had developed a route book for the drivers, using utility billing information and it was discovered that many people were being billed incorrectly. He reported that the one-man system was effective an curb collection; however, to institute the one-man crew would necessitate that all refuse be collected at the curb and it would also necessitate making changes in the equipment. He also stated that he would need trained back-up personnel. He recommended the development of route books and continuation of the two-man crew. He further recommended that the garbage collection rate be increased_fram $2.20 to $2.53 per month and yard service be increased by 25% and be billed over an 8 month period. He also stated that a charge should be imposed for pickups that were missed as they are finding that people are calling reporting missed pickups, When in fact, they were late putting the garbage cans out. He stated that they anticipate an additional revenue of approximately $30,000 fran billings that were missed or mis-billed. Councilman Wbnder inquired about the amount of time needed to develop the route books, and Mr. White stated that it would take about 6 months. Mayor Edmondson inquired why staff did not request a rate increase for commercial'collection. Mr. White stated that the revenue in that area has remained higher than its expenses. Dick Smith, attorney representing the chamber of Commerce, spoke about a task force the Chamber of CoMmerce appointed to study the refuse situation. He distributed copies of their report and recommendations. John Klingele, 1312 West Walnut, reported that his neighborhood was not notified of collection date changes. Chuck Frenzel, Eichler Disposal, requested that Council give private haulers some type of protection by ordinance regarding commercial hauling. He stated that the City is protected in that private haulers are not permitted to solicit business in the residential areas of the City. He stated that they have to increase the rates for their commerical accounts, and feel they will lose accounts to the City because of the difference in rates. Art Zerbach, Director of FEBRUARY 20, 1979 199 Finance & Budget, explained the"$40,000 charge from the utility customer service division to the refuse division. Previously, the refuse division was not charged by the utility customer service division for billing of refuse_ collection, which is a legitimate expense of the 'refuse division. It was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Sparling that the consensus be to go back to the two-man crew immediately and prepare route books. It was MOVED by Beauchamp to amend the. motion to accept the rate increase recommended by staff. The motion died for lack of a second. The question was called the vote on the notion: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, - Sparling - and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Hinman and Lee absent. Councilman Sparling stated that we should Study some of the chamber of Cammerce's recommendations regarding yard' dervice'and requested, more factual information who were not being billed - properly. Councilman Sparling suggested that staff evaluate further the amount of rate increase that - would be needed. - It was MOVED by Sparling to implement an increase of the refuse rate. The motion died for lack of a second. After stating that if there is a reason to increase residential refuse rates, there should be a reason to increase bin service, it was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Beauchamp that the staff recommenation be accepted as it is, with the addition of raising the bin service rates to an equivalent of 11/2 yard price that 14g60I1:00_ Brothers is charging - $18.95, $3-7.90, and $56.85: carried, Wonder, Beauchaup, '.Buchanan and 'Edmondson voting aye on roll :call. Sparling voting nay. Hinman and Lee absent. It was MOVED by Beauchamp that the proposedIOrdinanc&-providing civil penalty for zoning violations, be passed. The motion' died for lack of a second. John Klingele, 1312 West Walnut, stated that he thought the penalty amount should be set by the jurors. City Attorney Andrews stated that the amount of a civil penalty should be set by the Council so that there will be the availability of leverage to enforce by notification, and in the event the person is charged in District Court, that person will know what the penalty should be. Councilman Wonder inquired if there are problems in zoning that make this necessary. Carol Darby, Director of Community Development, stated that the Chief Code Inspector has expressed problems in this area. Council member Sparling and Wonder expressed concern about the amount of the penalty being so high. It was MOVED by Sparling, seconded by Beauchamp that Section No. 2 of the proposed ordinance be amended to read as follows: "In-the event of civil proceedings, the penalty upon judgement for the City shall be $500.00" and that Ordinance No. 2268, as amended, provid- ing a civil penalty for zoning violations, be passel: carried, Wonder, Beauchamp, and Sparling voting aye on roll call. Edmondson and Buchanan voting nay. Hinman and Lee absent. Mayor Edmondson stated that she voted against the Ordinance because if a person is in violation-they should pay the maximum amount. ORDINANCE NO. 2268, AN ORDINANCE relating to zoning; providing for a civil penalty for violations of the zoning code; and amending Sections 12.88.030, 12.88.040 and 12.88.050, all of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. Robert Fairbairn, 801 So. 7th Street, related a problem he is having with his sewer backing up. He stated that the problem occurred after the sewer lines were relined and doesn't feel his line was connected properly. The solution would be to dig up the line and dhedk-its connection, however, if it was connected properly, he would have to pay for that work and if it wasn't, the contractor who did the job would have to bear that cost. He stated that he could not afford the gamble of approximately $3500 to check it out. It was the general consensus of the Council that this matter be referred to staff. Dick Bohannan, 702 No. Naches Avenue, read and submitted his letter regarding "good reason for maintaining County goveLument", stating that people will become confused as to how the govellment systems function if same of the City/County services are carribined. Items of information supplied to Council were: letter from Emergency Department Nurses' Association expressing support of continuing Yakima Fire Department EMergency Response Calls 2/15/79; copy of article appearing in the Spokesman Review on January 14, 1979 re their opera house and convention center; memo from Director of Community Development re Louis Alderman Outside Utility Request 2/13/79; copy of letter from City Engineer regarding informational meeting on the proposed major improvement project to upgrade Nob Hill Blvd., between 16th and 40th Avenues for 2/28/79, 7:30 PM at McClure Elementary School 2/12/79; memo • 2 14 FEBRUARY - 20, 1979 fran Director. of Finance & Budget re analysis of pending legislation 2/8/79; memo fran AWC re Sunset Legislation 7. Municipal.Research Council Termination 2/8/79; information and registration forms for the second annual Governot's Housing Conference for February 22 and 23, 1979; and monthly report of Chief of Police for January, 1979. City Manager Zais reminded Council of the special study session scheduled for Thursday evening, 22, 1979 at 7:30 PM. There being no further business to come before the Council, it was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Buchanan that this meeting be adjourned at the hour of 12:25 AM: carried, 'Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson,.Sparling and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Hinman and Lee absent. . READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY eil/1, A . DATES A rIUNCILMAN 0 A M/ _ DATE .3 f..4 'COM, /. ATTEST: 1 11 1 / " IdiVti CITY 1 PRK ( MAYOR