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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. 521 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 522 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. - / 41111 / READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY ,./A4/026, DATE 'OiNCIL AN 7 7 COUNCILMAN ATTEST: c„,.. AP . / A./N./ anir IP • c . /4 //As , 141 _ CITY C,0 RK ( MAYOR