HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/26/1976 Business Meeting JANUARY 26, 1976
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,
Zean!.R. Allard, Ralph Holbrook, W. K. "Pete" Moore, Dr. Bill
!Simmons, Nadine Walker and Gordon Wonder.
Mayor Betty Edmondson reported that a letter of appreciation was
!being sent to Animal Control Officer, Del Trimble for his service in
;controlling a vicious animal. Subsequently, the Mayor asked
to be excused from Council meetings on February 2 and February
19 since she will be on vacation.
!City Manager McMicken reported that information concerning the Yakima
'Youth Advisory Commission, established in the early 1970's, would
be presented at the next Study Session.
;Human Relations Officer Susan Boughton-Morin reported on the
'completion of the report to the Federal Equal Employment Opportunties
;Commission. She noted that the percentage of minorities employed
by the City has risen from 10.6 percent in 1974 to 11 percent
lin 1975, and that the percentage of women has risen from 13.8
percent in 1974 to 15 percent in 1975. It was underscored that
!there are now two women in management positions, a gain of one
over the previous year; there is one Spanish surnamed employee
i in management, and that one department (Refuse) is made up entirely
of minorities. In general, Ms.Boughton-Morin indicated that
the City's position in miniority employment was adequate; however,
she observed that the City could still improve its minority
!recruitment. Council asked Ms. Boughton-Morin when a meeting
!could be held with the Human Relations Commission to discuss-
the proposed ordinance to eliminate discrimination in all public
!accommodations within the City. Ms. Boughton-Morin suggested
;!that an Executive Committee of the Commission could meet with a
'committee of the Council to exchange ideas and information on
the proposed ordinance. It was thereafter agreed that Council
'members Pete Moore, Bill Simmons and Nadine Walker constitute the
Council committee to meet with the Committee of the Commission and
!meet within the next two weeks. At that time, the City Attorney
, !would also present a report on the relevant RCW provisions which
, I lhave a bearing on the proposed ordinance.
;
The City Manager again reviewed the fringe benefit comparison
for management, showing an analysis of the costs for police
and fire management insurance coverage compared to ASFCME.
In discussing this material, Council again expressed the opinion
that police and fire and non-public safety members of management
=should be equated equally in terms of fringe benefits. Accordingly,
the staff was directed to prepare a proposed compensation package
that would accomplish this purpose.
? !Councilman Allard inquired as to the status of a Park Department
' ,employee, Mr. Sims and requested that a report be made regarding
his employment conditions and reasons for layoff.
; Director of Community Development, Fred Stouder discussed transport-
ation planning for the Yakima Metropolitan area. Mr. Stouder
!indicated that deadline for an interim program to be prepared
i
and submitted to the Federal Highway Administration for their
!approval would be March 1; however a preliminary plan would
also be filed with the local COG for their review and sanction.
lin reponse to Councilman Allard's question cbncerning the goals
of the program, Fred Stouder indicated that the plan provides
'sound planning for future transportation development and that
.
the process is a requirement of the 1974 Highway Act, which
!sets as a prerequisite adequate planning to qualify for federal
!funds. The reason the City of Yakima must comply with this
;process is actually born out of the problems of large Metropolitan
areas. Yakima is now considered an urban area we are required
to do the same kind of planning that other metropolitan jurisdictions
;perform. The main challenge faced in our area is securing agree-
ment among ourselves as to the type of planning needs of the
!future. Council members were apprised that a summary of the
!program was included in the materials distributed and that further
;progress would be eported at later sessions.
JANUARY 26, 1976
It was thereafter MOVED by Gordon Wonder, seconded by Nadine
Walker that the Council go into Executive Session to discuss
the acquisition of real estate.
At 3:00 P.M. the Council members moved into the Council
Chambers for the balance of the meeting, Mayor Edmondson
presiding, Councilmen Allard, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons,
Walker, Wonder, City Manager McMicken and City Attorney
Andrews present on roll call.
The Invocation was given by Councilman Holbrook.
The minutes of the previous meeting of January 19, 1976
having been duly certified accurate by two Councilmen, and
no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly,
Mayor Edmondson declared that said minutes be approved as
recorded.
This being the time set for the Hearing on Petition No.
871, filed by Va -Alta, Inc, requesting vacation of a portion
of Yakima Avenue, between N. 10th and llth Streets, having
been continued from previous meetings for the purpose of
getting a deed for sidewalk from the property owner, Principal
Planner, Dick Hill, reported that we do now have a signed
and certified copy of this easement deed. After discussion
about the proposed sidewalk that Mr. James Elliott of the
Holiday Inn has guaranteed will be built, Council members
indicated that they feel there should be something in writing.
It was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Wonder that the hearing
be closed and that a written agreement be drawn up, signed
and brought back to the Council regarding the building of
the sidewalk, at which time action will be taken on the
Ordinance providing for the vacation: carried, Allard,
Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker and Wonder voting
aye by voice vote.
This being the time set for the Hearing on Rezone Application
filed by Robert Leahy, requesting rezone of property at
700 -708 West Walnut and 204 So. 7th Avenue, Principal Planner,
Dick Hill reviewed the request for rezone referring to the
Planning Staff Report and the Planning Commission Minutes
of December 22, 1975 and January 6, 1976, respectively.
He explained that the request was for R -3 to B -1 to accommodate
the current uses of a physicians and dental service bureau,
hearing aid service and vacuum service sales office. This
has been a nonconforming use for many years. The Planning
Staff and the Planning Commission have recommended approval.
There being no one to speak for or against the petition,
it was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Wonder that Ordinance
No. 1898 accepting the recommendation of the Planning Commission
and rezoning said property, be passed: carried, Allard,
Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, and Wonder voting aye
on roll call; Walker not voting because of a conflict of interest.
ORDINANCE NO. 1898, AN ORDINANCE accepting the recommendation
of the Planning Commission and rezoning property located
at 700 -708 West Walnut and 204 So. 7th Avenue in the City
of Yakima from R -3, Multiple - Family Zone, to B -1, Modified
Business Zone.
This being the time set for the Hearing on Rezone Application
filed by Noel - Cook - Lewis, requesting rezone of property
north of "A" Street between 6th and 8th Streets, Principal
Planner, Dick Hill reviewed the Planning Staff report and
the Planning Commission Minutes of December 30, 1975 and
January 6, 1976, respectively. In connection with this
request to rezone property from R -3 to PD in order to construct
a parking lot in conjunction with the Townhouse Motor Inn
expansion and Bicentennial Pavilion, the Planning Staff
made two recommendations:
JANUARY 26, 1976
1. That if the residential area to the north is to
be preserved ultimately rehabilitated, and if
the City desires to adhere to past policies,
Comprehensive Plan, Central Business District Plan,
and rezone action, the Planned Development request
should be denied.
2. That if the City is committed, as it appears to be,
and it is in the best interest of the overall
community development and economic viability,
the Pavilion and its associated support facilities
are deemed necessary, the Planned Development should
be approved.
The Planning Commission recommended approval to the Council
of the final Plan and Program of PD for expansion of parking
facilities of the Townhouse Motor Inn and Bicentennial Pavilion.
Present and speaking to this matter was Mr. Frank Spreng, 103
N. 6th Street. Also present and asking questions about the
alley behind his property and if there is a provision through
the parking lot for a driveway, was Mr. Robert Austenfeld,
104 N. 8th Street. He was assured by Dick Hill that there
will be access through the property. Councilmen Allard and
Wonder also spoke to this matter. It was MOVED by Simmons,
seconded by Moore that Ordinance No. 1899, accepting the recommenda-
tion of the Planning Commission and rezoning said property,
be passed: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons,
Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call.
ORDINANCE NO. 1899, AN ORDINANCE accepting the recommendation
of the Planning Commission and rezoning property located north
of "A" Street between 6th Street and 8th Street in the City
of Yakima, from R -3, Multiple - Family Zone, to Planned Development
Zone.
This being the time fixed for the first hearing on the 1976
Community Development Program, Planning and Community Development
Director, Fred Stouder reviewed what has taken place up to
this time. He reported on the one -day workshop held in the
Fall and the 15 or so meetings that were held in 8 or 9 homes.
Three general meetings were held in December and additional
Committee meetings were also held. Mr. Stouder referred to
his memo regarding the 1976 -1977 Community Development Program
dated January 23, 1976. He reported that in all the meetings
attended by over 75 different individuals, three needs were
frequently mentioned in the discussions:
1. The need for housing rehabilitation programs such as grants
and loans, and housing services in conjunction with these
Programs.
2. Street lighting improvements and additions.
3. General neighborhood improvements such as curbs,
gutters, sidewalks and streets.
The Memo further stated that the City Council should also evaluate
the proposals that have been suggested by interested groups.
They are as follows:
1. Senior Citizen Center expansion $ 80,000
2. Southeast Community Center Recycling Center $ 15,000
3. Work Release Facility Rehabilitation $ 10,000
He also reported that to continue the street lighting improvements
up to 16th Avenue, $45,000 a year over the next two years,
can implement the upgrading and additions needed. In addition
to the $482,000 Community Development funds, they have requested
$275,000 in 3 percent housing rehabilitation loans funds.
An application for $100,000 for Craftsman's Corps funds is
being completed. It is also recommended that $200,000 of Community
8
JANUARY 26, 1976
Development funds be used for housing rehabilitation grants
in conjunction with loans and grants directly to the low
income elderly for housing rehabilitation. Present and
speaking on various aspects of the program were Florence
Martin, Becky Martelli and Terry Lockner. Teresa Hillhouse of a
work release committee, spoke regarding the proposed
work release project for this area and possible money for
a halfway house to be located on the Southeast Community Center
property for which they hope to have a pilot program with
about ten people for a 90 day period to locate jobs. Mr.
Stouder expressed appreciation to the people who held the
meetings in their homes. There being no further discussion,
the hearing was declared closed. There will be a second
hearing on February 2, 1976.
Myrlin Ackerman, representing Airways Rent-A-Car of Yakima
referred to his letter and one received from Jim Eakin,
Airport Manager, copies of which were given to Council
members, and expressed an interest in getting space at
the airport. He questioned the fact that there is room
for 3 rental agencies only in the Airport Terminal. He
stated that he would like to have space in the airport,
a parking spot or a telephone. He explained his business
and indicated he feels the Air Terminal can handle an additional
one or two spots. City Manager McMicken reviewed the Airport
expansion in the past several years and indicated that
the Airport Terminal is being used to capacity at the present
time. Council members indicated that they would like to
have a study session on this matter before making any decisions.
Jim Anderson of Budget-Rent-Car, being present, stated
that he is not interested in getting space in the Air Terminal,
but has a complaint about the parking spaces in front of
the Terminal. He has received several $10 tickets on his
rental vehicles and feels that more time should be allowed
to pick up his passengers and freight. City Manager McMicken
reviewed the change from no fee parking to fee parking
at the Air Terminal. Council members indicated they would
like to study this matter further before recommending any
action.
There being persons present interested in Item 21 on the
Agenda, an Ordinance authorizing legal proceedings to condemn
right-of-way for the 16th Avenue and Tieton Drive Public Improve-
ment Project, it was the consensus of the Council that
this matter be brought on for discussion at this time.
City Manager McMicken explained that there are a total
of 11 parcels of right-of-way concerned in this project.
Six have been secured. On an earlier occasion, the Council
authorized the procedure of condemnation action on two.
This proposed action affects the other three. In this
project no lanes are being added. Lanes are to be widened.
They are now 8 to 10 feet wide and should be 10 to 12 feet
wide to allow for proper turning space around the corner.
Mr. Lee Raucher, 602 So. 16th Avenue (southwest corner
of 16th and Tieton) spoke against the taking of any of his
property explaining that there would be nothing left of
his 50 foot property. It would take his parking and his
hedge. He stated that instead of taking only part of his
property, that he would like the City to purchase the whole
parcel at a fair price and indicated that it has been assessed
at $23,300. Dave Vargas, Public Works Director stated
that the budget allows for only partial taking; however,
if it were so determined through the courts that damage
to the property is too high and that the City would have
to purchase the property, the City may have to buy the
whole property and would then apply for funds for this
purpose. Councilman Moore stated he is against the taking
of any of this man's property, that we should be fair to
the people concerned. Councilman Holbrook stated he would
not like to vote on this at this time, that he will have
to have a little more information as to why it is necessary
JANUARY 26, 1976
to take some of this property. City Manager McMicken explained
that more than half of the property in this proposed project
is owned by the City, that condemnation proceedings provide for
;appeal and that all things concerning livibility of property
are considered. He also indicated that the Council has the authority
to scrub the whole project and that the staff will be glad to
have a review of the project for the information of the Council
!members. Mr. McMicken also stated that an Executive Session
;could be held to discuss the real estate part of this project.
It was MOVED by Allard, seconded by Moore that this matter be
;tabled for one week so that an Executive Session and Study Session
may be held to further study this matter: carried, Allard, Edmondson,
;Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker and Wonder voting aye by voice
;vote.
It was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Holbrook that Resolution
No. D-3458, authorizing the execution of an easement grant to
;Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone Company for underground installation
of telephone conduit near the Bicentennial Pavilion site be passed:
carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker
and Wonder voting aye on roll call. City Manager McMicken explained;
that the telephone company had requested an easement in order
to accommodate the underground installation of this telephone
'conduit.
;RESOLUTION NO. D-3458, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing
;the City Manager and City Clerk of the City Yakima to execute
; an easement grant to Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone Company.
It was MOVED by Allard, seconded by Holbrook that Resolution
No. D-3459, authorizing the execution of a Mutual Aid Agreement
!with Yakima County, various cities and towns and fire districts,
be passed: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons,
;walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. City Manager McMicken
;explained that the revised Mutual Aid Agreement has been reviewed
by the Police and Fire Chiefs.
;RESOLUTION NO. D-3459, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing
I the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute
a "Yakima County Mutual Aid Agreement".
It was MOVED by Simmons, seconded by Wonder that Resolution No.
:ID-3460 exercising options held by the City of Yakima to purchase
;property to be used as a community park on 40th Avenue and River
;Road be passed: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore,
`;Simmons, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call.
, 'RESOLUTION NO. D-3460, A RESOLUTION exercising options held by
the City of Yakima to purchase real property for a community
park on 40th Avenue and River Road.
,IRegarding the matter of the proposed purchase of property at
' 112 and 114 So. 8th Street for Office of Housing and Neighborhood
Conservation, City Manager McMicken explained that as directed
in the Executive Session he will proceed with the purchase on
the basis of negotiated purchase price. No further action is
,necessary.
;Councilman Allard absent after 5:30 p.m.
It was MOVED by Simmons, seconded by Holbrook that Resolution
No. D-3461 authorizing the execution of a lease renewal agreement
with Yakima Cement Products Company be passed: carried, Edmondson,
!Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll
icall. Allard absent. City Manager McMicken explained that this
;ground space under the Nob Hill Overpass has been occupied by
;Yakima Cement Products for several years. The lease agreement
;expired on December 31, 1975 and they desire to renew this agreement.
:Both parties have agreed to an increase from 1c per square foot
to 2 per square foot which will raise the cost from $150 to
$300 a year. A further addition has been made to the agreement,
that no flammable material shall be stored there.
91
JANUARY 26, 1976
RESOLUTION NO. D-3461, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City
Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute
a lease agreement with Yakima Cement Products Co.
It was MOVED by Simmons, seconded by Moore that Resolution
No. D-3462 authorizing the purchase of repair parts for
a flow meter without calling for bids, be passed: carried,
Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker and Wonder
voting aye on roll call. Allard absent. City Manager
McMicken explained that immediate repairs are necessary
for a flow meter at the City's Sewer Treatment Plant requiring
the purchase of repair parts which are available from one
source only so that no benefit would accrue to the City
by calling for competative bids.
RESOLUTION NO, D-3462, A RESOLUTION authorizing purchase
meter
received ewithout
e from u o the Engineer
g ty forb bids.
e
Bill Stark, Traffic Engineer reviewed the upgrading of
eastside lighting with Community Development funds. He
reviewed the three alternatives and recommended that City
take Alternate #1 in which Pacific Power and Light will
install the lights, supply the materials and City will
maintain these lights. This would cost the City $31,031
which is in the $36,000 budget allowed for this purpose.
Traffic Engineer Bill Stark referred to his memo on the
status of Naches Avenue Lighting Project which he reviewed
for the information of the Council. He stated that the
City Council had awarded a $45,442 contract to Wilson Electric
Company in November, 1975, to install new underground circuitry,
pole bases, and electrical service contactors on the Naches
Avenue lights between Race Street and "G" Street. This
project is being funded by 1/2 gas tax. He further explained
the project is necessary due to the age of the equipment.
In answer to questions as to why the project has not yet
been completed, Mr. Stark explained that the contractor
has not yet received delivery on electrical services which
are necessary to make contact between the system and Pacific
Power and Light, but that the contractor should have these
services in the next day or two.
The City Engineer having submitted a report on the completion
of LID No. 1005, 1975 Street Paving Project, it was MOVED
by Simmons, seconded by Holbrook that February 23, 1976,
be the date fixed for hearing on the assessment role:
carried, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker and
Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Allard absent.
A
on
completion of work and recommendation that said work be
' accepted and final payment made on LID No. 1002, South
1st Street Sanitary Sewer, Russell Lane to Lindy Lane,
Schedule II, it was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Walker
that the report of the City Engineer dated Janaury 21,
1976 with respect to the completion of work in said contract,
be approved, the work be accepted and payment of the final
estimate as therein set forth is hereby authorized: carried,
Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker and Wonder
voting aye by voice vote. Allard absent.
/11 An Ordinance appropriating $2,500 within the Water-Sewer
Fund to purchase a magnetic flow meter having been read
by title only at this meeting, was laid on the table for
one week or until February 2, 1976.
' An Ordinance transferring and appropriating the amount
' of $19,626.47 within the Intergovernmental Agency Fund
for repayment to the State Office of Community Development,
having been read by title only at this meeting, was laid
JANUARY 26, 1976
, on the table for one week or until February 2, 1976.
An Ordinance transferring and appropriating $500 from the
Contingency Fund to the General Fund for Bicentennial activities,
having been read by title only at this meeting, was laid on
the table for one week or until February 2, 1976.
It was MOVED by Simmons, seconded by Holbrook that Ordinance
No. 1900 specifying the rate of accrual of vacation leave
for certain City employees, be passed: carried, Edmondson,
Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker and Wonder voting aye on
roll call. Allard absent. City Manager McMicken explained
that in Union negotiations earlier, there were certain changes
that are to be made in the rate of accrual of vacation leave
to become effective as of January 1, 1976, and action on the
Ordinance provides for these changes.
' ORDINANCE NO. 1900, AN ORDINANCE relating to City personnel;
specifying the rate of accrual of vacation leave for certain
City employees; amending Subsection 2.40.020 A of the City
of Yakima Municipal Code; and declaring an emergency.
It was MOVED by Simmons, seconded by Moore that Ordinance
No. 1901, adopting rules and regulations pertaining to terminal
! leave, be passed: carried, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons,
Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Allard absent.
City Manager McMicken reported that there is a change to be
made in the wording of the computing of terminal leave. Previously
! it had been computed on a daily basis and is now computed
1 on an hourly basis.
, ORDINANCE NO, 1901, AN ORDINANCE relating to City personnel;
! adopting rules and regulations pertaining to terminal leave
1 of a City employee; and amending Subsection 2.40.020 D of
the City of Yakima Municipal Code.
Petition No. 869, filed by the Corporation of Catholic Bishop,
1 1 requesting annexation of property extending east from South
32nd Avenue and north of Mead Avenue, it was MOVED by Simmons,
seconded by Holbrook that Tuesday, February 17, 1976, be set
1 as the time for hearing on this matter: carried, Edmondson,
Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker and Wonder voting aye by
, 1
voice vote. Allard absent.
There being no further business to come before the Council
at this time, they then went into Executive Session for the
! I purpose of discussion of real estate negotiations, after which
1 it was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Walker that this meeting
be adjourned at 6:30 P.M. to Thursday, January 29, 1976, at
! 1 the hour of 12:00 Noon to then meet at the Holiday Inn Restaurant:!
carried, Edmondson, Holbrook, Simmons, Walker and Wonder and Moore voting
aye by voice vote. Allard absent
11
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY 4 04, DATE,
SUN L
;PATE i t: 1 77
! OUNCILMAN
ATTEST:
Z ./7
CITY CLE'r
MAYOR
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