HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/20/1980 Adjourned Meeting • 474 ADJOURNED MEETING - MARCH 20, 1980
The City Council met in session on this date at 2:00 p.m. in the
Conference Roan at the Yakima City Shops Complex. Council members
present were Mayor Betty L. Edmondson, Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan,
Lynn Carmichael and Shirley Doty. Councilman Don Hinman absent.
Willis White, Director of Public Ubrks, conducted a tour through the
Shops Complex.
Following the tour, Mayor Edmondson proclaimed the week of March 23-29
as Phil Mahre and Steve Mahre Week.
Mayor Edmondson reported that arrangements have been made for the
Council to meet at the Towne Plaza Veranda Roan on Tuesday, March 25 at
5:30 p.m. to discuss the appointment to the Council.
Willis Unite, Public Works Director, advised the Council about some new
legislation, Section 504, and reviewed sone of the requirements relating
to handicap accessibility. He reported that unless some alternative
funding source is used, this may be the last year for the transit
system. Dan Newton, Transit Manager, spoke about Section 504 which
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stated that the transit system must be able to be used by the
handicapped. He stated that in order to do that the City must purchase
new vehicles and we don't have the funds to do that. He stated that a
transit pIan has to be submitted by July 2, 1980 to UMTA detailing how
the City is going to gain handicap accessibility. Mayor Edmondson
inquired if the handicapped are better served with the service provided
naa. Mr. Newton indicated that they are better served now by the
Transportation Exchange. He stated there may be difficulty in getting
the handicapped to the bus stops, especially in the winter weather. - He
reported on his experience with this equipment stating that it wasn't
used that often. He stated that the bus driver is not required to help
a person board the bus which provision holds the City harmless in case
of boarding accidents. Mr. Newton stated that the deficit will increase
each year if the City doesn't make any changes to meet grant
requirements. An alternative to funding the transit systemhwould be to
increase the household tax from 65 to $1.00 per month. This would give
the City $1,000,290 estimated for 1981 with an estimated expenditure of
$906,899 leaving the City $122,000 for reserves. Another alternative
would be a .3% sales tax. Revenues estimated for 1981 under this
alternative would be $1,445,282 and proposed expenditures of $889,399
with a balance of $545,883. He stated that under the sales tax
proposal, the City would not be dependent upon UMTA except for capital
outlay. Mr. White stated that funding the system with a .3% sales tax,
would allow the City to offer free bus service to the citizens. Mr.
Newton gave a slide presentation showing examples of various bus
shelters, a bus wash, bus hoist and a transfer station. Council members
discussed the staff recommendation of putting the issue of a .3% sales
tax to support transit operations on the ballot. Several Council
members expressed concern about implementing an additional sales tax for
the City which the surrounding communities would not have. It was
suggested that Union Gap be contacted to see if they would be interested
in having the City of Yakima provide them with bus service and have them
also levy the .3% sales tax. Council member DOty absent after 4:20 p.m.
Discussion followed regarding the inclusion of Selah, Terrace Heights
and Moxee into this agreement for bus service, however, City Manager
Zais stated that it would have to be County-wide to include communities
other than those that are incorporated. Mayor Edmondson suggested that
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staff get information on the cost of providing service to Union Gap and
the amount of revenue that would be and then the City Manager
could discuss this proposal with the Union Gap City Supervisor. City
Manager Zais stated that staff will pursue that direction and then set
up a joint meeting with the City Council. Council member Beauchamp
absent after 4:30 p.m.
There being no further information or business to cane before the
Council, the meeting adjourned at the hour of 4:35 p.m.
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