HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/06/1977 Business Meeting 520
JUNE 6, 1977
The City Council met in session on this date at 1:30 P.M., in the Conference
Room at Yakima City Hall.
Councilmen present at the meeting were Mayor Betty L. Edmondson, Jean Allard,
Ralph Holbrook, Dr. Bill Simmons, W. K. "Pete" Moore, Nadine Walker and Gordon Wonder.
The Mayor announced that an "On-the-Air" program is scheduled for June 14, 1977 at
KAPP-TV at 10:45 a.m. and asked that two other Councilmen volunteer to be with her on
the program. It was decided that Mayor Edmondson, Jean Allard, and Ralph Holbrook
would be on the panel.
Councilman Walker questioned the City Manager on the delivery of the truck to the
Southeast Community Recycling Center. City Manager Eastman answered that he was
waiting for a written agreement from them stating who's driving the truck and who's
responsible for the maintenance and upkeep and insurance, before the truck is delivered.
ince the last truck was abused, City Manager Eastman felt the drivers should attend
Defensive Driving Training Program; however, the drivers are not interested in
taking it. Since the City has $20,000 invested in the truck and trailer, maybe the
'ity should be responsible for the upkeep and maintenance and co-insure on the truck.
Reporting on the Southeast Community Center budget, City Manager Eastman stated they
are still working on it, but have not yet been able to get together with staff. It
may be ready for Study Session next week.
The Mayor asked that Council members advise her if they will be out-of-town in July
or August so that agenda items could be scheduled accordingly. Councilman Walker
reported that she would be gone the first two weeks in August.
The Council then discussed the Six Year Arterial Street Construction Program. City
Manager Eastman recommended that Council adopt the program and hold a hearing and
refer this matter to the Planning Commission for their study and recommendations.
The program can be amended during the year. Dave Vargas, Project Manager, recommended
that the 6th Street Improvements and 6th Avenue and Summitview Intersections be
deleted from the program. If Council could decide on two or three projects, maybe
the money can be found to do the jobs. Councilman Wonder stated that school crossings
and fire lanes should be top priority. Dave Vargas reported that the funds for three
or four school crossings are available and we are awaiting a deci_sktm from , the School
District on where to install them. Some crossings being discussed are Hall and
Yakima Avenues, 6th Avenue and Fruitvale, 28th Avenue and Summitview and a caution
light at 6th Avenue and "B" Street. Councilman Allard said that Division and Race
Street; and Nob Hill-16th Avenue to 40th Avenue, are two long range projects which
should be kept in mind. He suggested that we use FRS Funds to acquire property and
do some trading to get the job done. If it were made a project, then a time limit
would be set. It was the general consensus of the Council to adopt this plan after
the hearing. Councilman Wonder brought up the fact that children walking to school
are sometimes forced to walk in the street because of the hedges or fences next to
the curb. Larry Wright, Principal Planner, informed Council that zoning laws don't
prohibit this. Dave Vargas said that the City Attorney informs him that the City can
make property owners keep a foot path.
Council members held an election to appoint an Airport Advisory Commission. Members
of the Commission are: Don Emerick, Jr., Fred Iraola, George Velikanje, Bill Whitaker,
I ob Jose, Frank LeCocq, and Lynn Buchanan. George Hislop will be considered as an
alternate, if needed.
Two weeks ago City Manager Eastman and Mayor Edmondson met with EDA in Seattle.
Resolution No. D-3598 which was was adopted by the Council on October 18, 1976, gives a
list of projects which can be financed by this grant. However, it is possible to
withdraw all the projects and start new. We should be receiving a letter this week
advising us of the amount of money allocated. The City would have to negotiate with
the School District for funds if the School District has a project; which, this year,
it has. The Capitol Theatre construction program was discussed. City Manager Eastman
read the letter received from Tom Tomlinson, Executive Manager of the Capitol Theatre
Committee, analyzing the "Project Agreement" between the State of Washington and
City of Yakima. Once we have the letter from EDA, we have 10 days to prioritize the
projects. It was the consensus of the Council to postpone this matter until after
the letter is received, to have a dollar figure to work with.
At 3:00 p.m., the Council members moved into the Council Chambers for the balance of
the meeting, Mayor Edmondson presiding, Council members Allard, Holbrook, Moore,
Simmons, Walker and Wonder, City Manager Eastman and City Attorney Andrews present on
roll call.
The Invocation was given by Councilman Moore.
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JUNE 6, 1977
Mayor Edmondson referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda questioning
whether there were any additions or deletions from either Council members or citizens
present. Councilman Simmons requested that item #9 be deleted from the Consent
Agenda. It was the consensus of the Council that the deletion of item #9, as requested,
be made. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions by
title. It was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Simmons that the Consent Agenda, as read,
be passed: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker and Wonder
voting aye on roll call. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk (*) indicate
items on the Consent Agenda to be handled under one motion without further discussion.)
*It was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Simmons that the minutes of the previous meeting,
having been duly certified accurate by two Councilmen and no one present wishing to
have said minutes read publicly, be approved: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook,
Moore, Simmons, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call.
Mayor Edmondson presented an Improvement Award from the American Public Transit
Association to the Yakima City Lines. The award honors Yakima City Lines as the
transit system serving an urban area with a population between 30,000 and 100,000
that has shown the greatest improvement in safety in 1976. Mr. Bob Knight, Transit
Manager, accepted the award on behalf of the Yakima City Lines. Mr. Ken Kohagen, bus
driver, gave a report on the safety program in the Transit Division, showing some
posters and slogans used in this program.
Mayor Edmondson announced that June is "Pacific Northwest Pest" month.
Robin Moriarity, 414 So. 15th Avenue, questioned Council members on how the art for
the convention center is to be selected, and does Council have the final say or will
they follow recommendations of the Art Selection Committee. Councilman Moore said
that the art will be selected by the Advisory Board for the Convention Center, with
Council's approval. Mrs.; Moriarity also questioned the rejection of Charles Smith's
painting and why didn't he receive a letter to that effect. Mayor Edmondson stated
that by motion, City Council rejected Mr. Smith's painting, but recommended that the
Art Selection Committee commission Mr. Smith to do a more appropriate painting. She
also stated that she would be happy to send a letter to Mr. Smith, that in the mix up
of the resignation of some members of the Art Selection Committee, this must have
been overlooked. Mayor Edmondson suggested that she mail a copy of the guidelines
used for the selection of arts for the Convention Center to Mrs. Moriarity, and
should she have any further questions, to call her.
Assistant City Manager Zais, referring to the Risk Management Study proposal, said
that he felt it was necessary to obtain expert analysis of the City's insurance
needs. If Council accepts this proposal, Parker, Smith and Feek, Inc., would (1)
perform a review and evaluation of the City's basic insurable risk; (2) make an
assessment of the key policies currently enforce; (3) make recommendations on alternative
methods for handling each risk. This would include consideration of risk retention;
i.e., non insurance or self insurance, loss control and reduction, risk transfer,
and/or a combination of methods; (4) offer advice on the best method of placing
coverage to control costs. The cost survey would be completed by August 1, 1977 to
meet the budget deadline, and the overall risk management study, which would be
continuous from the beginning, would be available October 1, 1977. The fee for this
survey is $4,000, which is $1500 over the budgeted amount. It was MOVED by Wonder,
seconded by Allard that Resolution D-3701, accepting the proposal by Parker, Smith
and Feek, Inc., to perform a risk management study be passed: carried, Allard,
Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call.
RESOLUTION NO. D-3701, A RESOLUTION accepting a proposal by Parker, Smith and Feek,
Inc., to perform a risk management study for the City of Yakima.
Dave Vargas, Project Manager, spoke on the matter of the crosswalk on 3rd Street in
front of the Bonanza 880 store and Pacific Power and Light. Sav-Mor Drug Store has
requested that the crosswalk be moved to the north to allow delivery trucks to use.
the present loading zone in front of their store without being in violation of the
law, parking a truck too close to a crosswalk and fire hydrant. Presently, Sav-Mor
Drug is paying extra cartage for the delivery of their goods. The relocation of the
crosswalk would require moving the fire hydrant, at a cost of $1500, which should be
paid by the person requesting that change. The Fire Department would be agreeable to
the new location. All DARC members have been advised of this request, but not the
store owners on 2nd Stfeetoundilman:.Wonder asked if this would eliminate any
parking stalls or cause "jay" walking problems. Dave Vargas said that four parking
stalls would be lost and there could be "jay" walking problems. Mr. Taylor, Manager
of Sav-Mor Drug Store, spoke in favor of this crosswalk relocation, but stated that
he didn't feel the store should be charged for th.e relocation of this fire hydrant,
since they are leasing space from IOOF Lodge. Mr. Tweten, General Manager of the
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JUNE 6, 1977
Yakima Mall Association, said that the Yakima Mall will not help pay for the fire
hydrant. Mr. Gordon Spencer, Secretary of the Board of Trustees, IOOF Lodge, also
spoke on this matter asking that the $1500 be included in the Downtown Redevelopment
Project, L.I.D. assesement since the loading zone was created by same. Councilman
Moore suggested that Mr. Taylor check with the Police Department on laws pertaining
to parking in the loading zone, close to a fire hydrant, because it is possible that
as long as the driver is available to move his vehicle, he can park there long
enough to unload merchandise. It was MOVED by Simmons, seconded by Moore, that this
matter be postponed for one week to obtain additional information from the Police and
Fire Departments, Traffic Engineer, a report from DARC, and feedback from store
owners on 2nd Street: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker
and Wonder voting aye by voice vote.
II/
City Manager Eastman, referring to the Naches/Yakima Avenue intersection design, said
the intersection would have to be realigned if left hand turns are to be made.
Councilman Moore proposed an alternate plan to the two proposed plans presented
to Council. Mr. Joe MPreie speakingon this matter, said that he didn't see any
problem in the way it is now. Councilman Moore said that cars cannot go north and
south on Naches Avenue, and sinceithey can't use 4th Street either, the cars
have to use 3rd or 5th Streets. Mr. Tom Hargis, spoke in favor of this matter saying
that the only solution would be to signalize that intersection. Sandy Rogers, Acting
Traffic Engineer, informed Council that it would cost approximately $178,000 to
signalize the intersection. Also, to meet State requirements, two signals would be
needed for that intersection because the intersection is over 120 feet long. It was
the general consensus of the Council to refer this matter back to staff for further
study.
Dave Vargas, Project Manager, referring to his memo of May 31, 1977, informed Council
that People's Store has objections on the bus shelter being located in front of
their store. Mr. Ed Ragland, Manager of Peoples Store, feels that the Bus Shelter
would detract from the appearance of the store. People waiting for the bus now take
shelter around the Great West Building and under the awning at Peoples Store. Mr.
Ragland also felt that the bus shelter may become a hang-out for teenagers and also
may create a litter problem. Dave Vargas informed Council that the bus shelter has
in-fa-red heating and costs. approximately $10,000. Larry Wright, Principal Planner,
also spoke to this matter saying that there is a high rate of pedestrian traffic
there. It is his understanding that the Yakima Mall does not want the bus shelter
located there because it would interfere with their using that area for displays.
Mr. Wright reports that it is DARC'S recommendation to proceed as originally proposed.
Mr. Vargas also informed Council that he had received a request from Mr. Frank,
Manager of Nordstrom, to replace the sidewalk as it is now. Mr. Frank addressed the
Council, first telling them that he was not notified before the sidewalk was torn up,
and then requested that the bomanite not be poured in front of the store's entryway as
the color would conflict with the red brick there. It was MOVED by Moore, seconded
by Holbrook that we act on his request. Larry Wright said he would like to see the
bomanite pattern continued, even if the color was changed to the same color in front
of Nordstrom. Councilman Moore withdrew his motion. It was MOVED by Moore, seconded
by Holbrook to continue this matter for one week so that additional information can
be obtained from staff: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker
and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Councilman Walker asked for enough publicity to
make the people who have asked for the bus shelter aware of this matter coming before
Council next week.
It was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Simmons to fix the time of hearing on the Six
Year Street Construction Program for June 13, 1977: carried, Allard, Edmondson,
Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call.
Councilman Allard and Simmons absent after 4:25 p.m.
It was MOVED by Walker, seconded by Wonder to send the "Project Agreement" for the
$60,000 grant for the Historic Preservation on the Capitol Theatre back to the State
for clarification and changes: carried, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Walker and I
- Wonder voting aye on roll call. Allard and Simmons absent.
Kennith Crawford, Chief of Housing and Neighborhood Conservation, spoke to Council
requesting approval to apply for a preliminary loan for low rent public housing.
Councilman Holbrook asked how much the loan would be, from whom, and rate of interest.
Mr. Crawford said the money would actually be an advance from the Federal Government
on the first year Housing Authority contract; in the amount of $12,000; and it is
interest free. It was MOVED by Holbrook, seconded by Walker that Resolution
D-3702 approving the application for preliminary loan for low rent public housing,
be approved: carried, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Walker and Wonder voting aye
on roll call. Allard and Simmons absent.
JUNE 6, 1977 523
RESOLUTION NO. D-3702, A RESOLUTION approving an application for preliminary loan for
low rent public housing.
City Attorney, Fred Andrews, requested Council to authorize settlement of the law
suit between the City and the State of Washington, and convey a deed. It was MOVED
by Wonder, seconded by Holbrook that Resolution No. D-3703, authorizing settlement of
the law suit between the City of Yakima and the State of Washington and to execute
and deliver a deed in compliance with that settlement agreement, be approved:
carried, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call.
Allard and Simmons absent.
RESOLUTION NO. D-3703, A RESOLUTION authorizing and ratifying the settlement of
Yakima County Superior Court Cause No. 77-2-00533-1, City of Yakima vs. State of
Washington, et. al.; and authorizing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of
Yakima to execute and deliver a deed in compliance with that settlement agreement.
City Manager Eastman announced that Richard E. Hilligus has been appointed the new
Director of Parks and Recreation. Mr. Hilligus is from Lincoln, Nebraska and will begin
work on June 27, 1977. Mr. Eastman asked Council to approve Mr. Hilligus's moving
expenses, up to 12,000 pounds. It was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Holbrook to
approve the payment of moving expenses of household goods up to 12,000 pounds, with
Mr. Hilligus being responsible for the packing: carried, Edmondson, Holbrook,
, Moore, Walker and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Allard and Simmons absent.
There being no further business to come before the Council, it was MOVED by Walker,
seconded by Wonder to adjourn this meeting at the hour of 5:10 p.m.: carried,
Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Walker and Won.- voti aye by voice vote. Allard and
Simmons absent. - /
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READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY ,./A4/026, DATE
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COUNCILMAN
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