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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/17/1976 Business Meeting 207 MAY 17, 1976 The City Council met in session on this date at 6:30 P.M. in the Conference Room at Yakima City Hall. Councilmen present at the meeting were Jean Allard, Mayor Betty L. Edmondson, Ralph Holbrook, W. K. "Pete" Moore, Bill Simmons, Nadine Walker and Gordon Wonder. The Council discussed designation of voting delegates to the AWC meeting in Spokane, June 15. It was MOVED by Ralph Holbrook, seconded by Jean Allard that Council members Pete Moore, Betty Edmondson and Bill Simmons be designated as the City's delegates: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. The Council gave further consideration to its all-day study session planned for Thursday, May 27. Dr. Simmons suggested that Mr. Peter Gregg, a consultant in public affairs, be invited to this study session to discuss City Council priorities and objectives. Dr. Simmons indicated he had listened to Mr. Gregg's discourse on this subject at an earlier workshop and was impressed with his abilities and techniques. It was the consensus of the Council on further discussion that Mr. Gregg be contacted to determine if he would be available for the morning of the 27th to lead such a discussion, and that a fee for such services be negotiated between the City and Mr. Gregg. The Council indicated, however, that the study session would take place irrespective of whether or not Mr. Gregg was available and that a special meeting would be set if Mr. Gregg is available at another time. The Council alsodetermined that the study session would be held inside the City rather than at Whistlin' Jack Lodge or another retreat location. City Attorney, Fred Andrews reviewed the procedure for issuing parade permits. The Council was apprised that since 1967, several cases involving denial of constitutional rights have been heard in the Courts in connection with parade permits. Requiring a permit for parades and street processions involves a balancing of rights for the municipalities and the citizens involved. The City is obligated to regulate streets for public safety while not infringing on the public's constitutional rights for free exercise of speech and lawful assembly. Andrews indicated that the anticipation of violence, disorderly conduct, or hostility by persons seeking a permit is not sufficient grounds for denial. If hostility is anticipated, the City must provide adequate protec- tion to allow processions to occur. The only valid reasons for denying a permit are for traffic control and safety conditions or if the parade is planned at an hour specifically prohibited by the ordinance. The City Code prohibits parades on weekdays between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. and parades may not be held later than 10:30 a.m. or before 6:00 a.m. on Saturdays. Peaceful marches on sidewalks which do not impede the normal use by other pedestrians do not require permits and may be held at any time. In listening to these remarks, Councilman Allard inquired about the parades crossing the railroad tracks at N. 1st Street and wondered whether the City could designate specific parade routes. In responding to this inquiry, Police Chief Jack LaRue indicated that coordination with the railroad was only one part of the responsibilities incumbent upon the City. Additional cooperation must be achieved from the ambulances, businesses, and transit services. Councilman Wonder further inquired about limiting parades to a specific amount per year. City Attorney Fred Andrews indicated that this would undoubtedly be declared illegal by the Courts. Police Chief LaRue discussed his role in administering parade permits indicating that he has the discretion of modifying parade plans as traffic conditions and public safety require. This action is particularly necessary in large gatherings such as the Sunfair Parade, the largest single parade in Yakima which costs more than $2,000 annually largely in pay for overtime to City employees. Additionally, there are street and sign department employees, 208 MAY 17, 1976 :and street cleaners all of whom must be paid for additional services. The Mayor, in listening to these remarks, inquired about whether :the City could charge a fee to sponsor parades. The City Attorney :indicated that this is one area that could be examined. In conclud- ing the discussion, the City Council instructed the Attorney to update and revise the ordinance appropriately. Such revisions ;might include shortening the lead time needed for obtaining the permit from 14 to 2-days and requiring notification of approval or denial to permit applicants in setting up a hearing procedure in cases in which permits are denied. Additionally, the Council suggested a section including a reasonable limit for City costs lof parades and processions assuring that the number of people or units involved do not exceed those stated on permits. !Director of Community Development, Fred Stouder reviewed the 'status of 1975 and 1976 Community Development Programs together !with housing rehabilitation grants and the disposition of recycled !houses. Upon listening to Mr. Stouder's remarks, Councilman ; Allard suggested that housing units involved in this program be eventually sold back to citizens at the termination of the ; program. Commenting on this, Fred Stouder indicated it is difficult to find property suitable for this purpose; the program may not 'provide enough recyclable homes and the liklihood of the program ;continuing is limited to two or three years. Councilman Allard !indicated that, if appropriate, the City test financial institutions 'commitment to this program once the City brings such housing units up to code and occupants are able to pay a minimum downpayment. 'Financial institutions should be asked to participate in the :program. Eventually, the program must be designed towards ability to pay upon those that are participating. Councilman Allard also inquired as to how applicants are selected for this program. ;Fred Stouder responded that selection is based on criteria set forth in the document on the Housing Rehabilitation Grant Program, under the section entitled "eligibility". However, once there is a grouping of eligible participants, the selection method is by ;lottery. Councilman Wonder inquired about developing a list of those that are able to at least secure $1,000 for mortgage down- !payments in connection with qualifying for housing rehabilitation grants. Councilman Moore indicated that the main problem is that those who are in the greatest need can't afford a minimum ldownpayment in that amount. Finally, Dr. Simmons inquired whether or not the City had conducted a survey of the target populations !most needy in terms of receiving aid of this nature. Mr. Stouder !indicated that this had been done, essentially through meetings with the Housing Authority. The City Manager indicated that the Housing Authority had examined and given most of the directions to setting the elgibility criteria and determining those qualified for aid. If the Council considers the approach unacceptable, then the program should be sent back to the Housing Authority for !them to redesign and recommend new guidelines and criteria. At 8:00 P.M., the Council members moved into the Council Chambers for the balance of the meeting, Mayor Edmondson presiding, Council- men Allard, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker and 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 May 10, 1976, having been ;duly certified accurate by two Councilmen and no one present ; wishing to have said Minutes read publicly, Mayor Edmondson declared said minutes approved as recorded. ;Mayor Edmondson read two Proclamations, one declaring May 16-22 Senior Citizens Week and the other recognizing May 16-22 as Volunteer ; Week. This being the time set for a Hearing on the Rezone Application ,filed by Nelle Lum, requesting the rezone of property located at South 17th Avenue and Bonnie Doone, Principal Planner Dick Hill reviewed the Planning Staff Report and Planning Commission !Minutes on this subject dated April 13 and April 20, 1976, respectively. 209 MAY 17, 1976 Mr. Hill explained the applicant requests rezone of approximately .a .92 acre parcel for a 17-unit Multiple-Family Planned Develop- ment complex. Mr. Hill reviewed the surrounding land use and zoning in the area, indicating it is primarily single i family. The proposed complex will consist of tri-plex and I two-story units. The Planning Staff recognizes a traffic !circulation problem in the access area, created by the 20 ft. 117th Avenue Alley. Unless the developer could show actual improvement of the alley, the Planning Staff does not recom- ;mend approval of the development. The Planning Department ;received two letters in opposition, one from Margaret Hurley at 1007 South 18th Avenue and another from Lola Jones at 1006 South 17th Avenue, opposing the poor access and additional traffic generated by the project. The Planning Commission recommended l approval with the condition that irrigation and landscaping plans be submitted to the Planning Office prior to issuance of 'building permits. Present and speaking to this request was .Mr. Don Rothe, Architect, representing Jim and Nelle Lum. He referred to the reported concern of persons in the neighborhood ire additional traffic, explaining that the overall project !does not present a traffic generating situation. He also !explained that much of the existing traffic problem is due to the nearby Yakima Valley College students. Mr. Rothe indicated that he and the applicant had gone to persons in the neighborhood ;regarding the project with no adverse response. They did, 'however, receive signatures of at least thirteen persons in !favor of the project. Mr. James Lum, applicant, being present, indicated that there are, in fact, other multiple family units in the surrounding area. He explained that the house situated ion the property is an old residence and not suitable for remodel- ing. The present garage will be replaced also. He noted ;that all property owners directly abutting the proposal are now in agreement with the project. Present and speaking in opposition to the project was Mr. George Mitchell representing Mrs. Hurley and Mrs. Jones who oppose the alley way access which is only 1 20 feet wide. He explained that this is the only access for iMrs. Hurley and Mrs. Jones to their homes. He also reiterated that there are no sidewalks in the area on either side of the alley. He also noted poor visibility caused by a shrub ;situated at the corner jog in 17th Avenue. Mr. Don Rothe !again emphasized that the alley is posted for no parking and this could be enforced. He emphasized that the parking and i traffic problems already exist and will not be necessarily !increased by this project. Mr. Lum explained that there will be four one-bedroom units and ten two-bedroom units along with the triplex. He reiterated that there is a blind corner at the jog in 17th Avenue which could be taken care of by ;City Ordinance, requiring a property owner to remove the shrub. After due discussion, it was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by 'Moore that Ordinance No. 1950, accepting the recommendation of the Planning Commission and zoning said property, be passed: 'carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker I/ and Wonder voting aye on roll call. :ORDINANCE NO. 1950, AN ORDINANCE accepting the recommendation of the Planning Commission. and rezoning property at South 17th Avenue and Bonnie Doone R-2, Two Family Zone, to 'Planned Development Zone. This being the time set for the Hearing on the Rezone Application ;filed by Glascam Builders, Inc., requesting the rezone of ;property located at South 48th Avenue and Tieton Drive, Principal Planner Dick Hill reviewed the Planning Staff Report and Planning ;Commission Minutes on this request dated April 13, 1976, and April 6, 1976, respectfully. Mr. Hill explained that the ,applicant requests approval for a 30 acre Planned Development pro- ject consisting of single family, duplex, apartment, and commercial ;service center. Overall density will be approximately 12 210 MAY 17, 1976 units per acre. The proposed project has been reviewed by appropriate City departments with no major objections. Sidewalks and street tree plantings are included, and parking will be provided on site. Surrounding streets are wide enough to handle additional traffic. Mr. Hill explained that the commercial uses will include low key businesses such as banks and/or offices. The Planning Staff and Planning Commission recommend approval of the project subject to the following nine conditions: 1. Landscaping and irrigation plans be submitted to and approved by the Office of Environmental Planning for those areas designated other than single family develop- ment when applying for a building permit. 2. An additional 10 feet of right-of-way be dedicated along Tieton Drive and an additional 15 feet of right-of-way be dedicated along South 48th Avenue. 3. That sidewalks and street trees be provided on all street frontages as shown on the plans with the possibility of federal and state funding to be used for improvements on Tieton Drive if available. 4. That the area indicated for single family and cluster home development be platted in accordance with the City Subdivision Ordinance with said plat to include those areas proposed for other uses. 5. An additional 30 feet be dedicated along 45th Avenue with the developer completing the existing half street for a total of 36 feet between curbs. 6. A pedestrian easement of 10 feet be granted along the southern property line from 45th to 48th Avenue. 7. The proposed water-sewer and drainage plans be submitted to the Director of Public Works for review and approval. 8. Fire protection be provided in accordance with the City Fire Marshal. 9. That the covenants for dust control be included in the final plan and program. Mr. Hill indicated there have been no real objections to the proposal. Mr. Lee Campbell, President - Glascam Builders, indicated agreement with the above nine conditions. Present and speaking to this request was Attorney Ron Whitaker representing Glascam Builders. He indicated that the various residential areas and the commercial area of the development will be so designated by lot numbers according to use. He further described the restrictive covenants which would he included in the Planned Development. He explained that the maintenance of the Planned Development will be handled by a corporation. Also present and speaking to this was Mr. Rod Knipper, Architect for the project. With the use of architectural renderings he noted the arrangement of parking spaces throughout the project and residential groupings, the commercial service area and recreational areas. Also present and speaking to this matter was Ines Rice, 4409 Arlington. After due discussion, it was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Wonder that Ordinance No. 1951, accepting the recommendation of the Planning Commission and zoning said property, be passed: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. ORDINANCE NO. 1951, AN ORDINANCE accepting the recommendation of the Planning Commission and rezoning property at the intersection of 48th Avenue and Tieton Drive from R-1, One-Family Zone, to Planned Development Zone. 211 MAY 17, 1976 This being the time set for a Hearing on an amendment to the City's Subdivision Ordinance, Principal Planner Dick Hill re- viewed the Planning Staff Report and Planning Commission Minutes on the proposed amendment dated April 12, 1976, and April 20, 1976, respectively. Mr. Hill explained that the proposed amendment has arisen from a request from Debco Enterprises to accommodate their proposed development on the south side of Tieton Drive in the vicinity of 56th Avenue. The proposed amendment would allow flexibility whereby Planned Unit Developments would not be required to have frontage on a publicly dedicated street, thereby amending Title 14.06.100, Lots, Subdivisions (b). It was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Wonder that Ordinance No. 1952, providing for said amendment to the City's Subdivision Ordinance, 11/ be passed: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. ORDINANCE NO. 1952, AN ORDINANCE relating to subdivisions; specify- ing lot standards of proposed subdivisions; and amending Section 14.06.100 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. This being the time set for a Hearing on the amendment to the City's Zoning Ordinance regarding uses in a B-3 Zone, Principal Planner Dick Hill reviewed the Planning Staff Report and Planning Commission Minutes on this request dated April 12, 1976 and April 20, 1976, respectively. Mr. Hill explained that the proposal has arisen from past problems encountered with the location of carnivals at various shopping centers and adjacent to residential areas. He noted the proposed amendment will allow the carnivals in a B-3 Zone by right with no restrictions as to distance from residential properties and further that they would be allowed in any zone via a Temporary Use Permit without the distance requirement. The Planning Staff and Planning Commis- sion recommend approval of the proposed amendment since any Temporary Use Permit requests would be first reviewed by the City Council. It was MOVED by Simmons, seconded by Holbrook that Ordinance No. 1953, providing for said amendment to the City's Zoning Ordinance, be passed: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. ORDINANCE NO. 1953, AN ORDINANCE relating to Zoning; prescribing use limitations applicable in B-3 General Business Zone; pro- viding for the issuance of temporary use permits; amending Section 12.36.020 and 12.60.040 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code; and declaring an emergency. Mr. Larry Robinson, 501 South 6th Avenue, appeared before the Council and discussed the City's Human Relation Commission. He made reference to a statement signed by 200 persons and filed in January of 1975 by the "Support your Local Police Committee". The Statement discusses concerns of this group re the creation of the City's Human Relation Commission. Mr. Robinson asked that the Council give further consideration to that document. He indicated his concern that the Human Relations Commission was functioning basically as a police review board and asked that the Commission be discontinued. He also spoke to the content of material being used in the Ethnic Awareness Program being conducted for the Police Department and objected to the content of the material which inferred white racism. Also present and speaking was Mr. Lorne House, Cowiche, a member of the "Sup- port your Local Police Committee; who reported he previously requested copies of the meeting notices of the Human Relations Commission and did not receive cooperation on that request. No further action was taken on this matter at this time. City Manager McMicken requested authorization to execute a lease with the U. S. Government for weather bureau space at the Yakima Air Terminal explaining the lease is being extended to five years (to 1981) which space will be rented at $2.00 per square foot. The total annual amount will be $5,217. It was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Holbrook that Resolution No. D-3520, author- izing the execution of said agreement, be passed: carried, 212 MAY 17, 1976 ;Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. ; RESOLUTION NO. D-3520, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute a lease agreement ' with the United States of America for weather station office and 1 facilities at the Yakima Air Terminal. ;City Attorney Andrews explained the proposed Resolution authorizing 'settlement of pending litigation for acquisition of property at the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Pierce Avenue, explaining that !before the Pierce Avenue work was done there was condemnation action to buy off that particular corner. He explained that George Lemon ;appraised the property at $2,600, which amount was not accepted II/ by the property owner. The property owner then submitted a counter ;offer of $7,000 and the recommended compromise settlement amount is $5,300. It was Mr. Andrews' recommendation that this compromise ,settlement be accepted. He explained the amount of property involved is 651 square feet. After due discussion, it was MOVED by Simmons, seconded by Walker that Resolution No. D-3521, authorizing settlement of pending litigation, be passed: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Simmons, and Walker voting aye on roll call; Moore and Wonder voting ;nay on roll call. RESOLUTION NO. D-3521, A RESOLUTION authorizing settlement of pending ;litigation involving the condemnation of real property for the widening of the intersection of West Lincoln Avenue and Pierce Avenue. An Ordinance transferring and appropriating the amount of $45,422 to pay for Visitor's and Convention Bureau management and operation of the Bicentennial Pavilion, having been read by title only at the previous meeting and being again read by title only at this meeting, it was MOVED by Simmons, seconded by Holbrook that Ordin- ance No. 1954 providing for said transfer and appropriation, be passed: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. ;ORDINANCE NO. 1954, AN ORDINANCE transferring the amount of $45,422 , from 370-Bicentennial Pavilion Fund and 371-Bicentennial Pavilion !Parking Fund to 000-General Fund and appropriating that amount to Account 070.573.10.31 as a 1976 appropriation for 000-General ;Fund. An Ordinance transferring and appropriating $35,500 within the Sewer' !Construction Fund to pay for installation of South 1st Street Sewer,1 ' having been read by title only at this meeting, was laid on the I table for one week or until May 24, 1976. ;Petition No. 883 having been filed with the City Clerk on May 10, 11976, by property owners in the vicinity of the Fancy Farm Dairy, !located on the corner of Nob Hill Boulevard and 28th Avenue re- igarding unnecessary noise, it was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by ;Holbrook that said petition be referred to the City Manager: ;carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. City Manager McMicken requesting authorization for out-of-state !travel for Bruce Belfield, Fire, to travel to Medford, Oregon, to attend the International Municipal Signal Association, May 20-21,, 1976, it was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Holbrook that said travel be approved and expenses paid: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, ;Moore, Simmons, Walker and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. There being no further business to come before the Council, it was !MOVED by Moore, seconded by Simmons that this meeting be adjourned at 10:00 P.M. to Thursday, May 20, 1976, at the hour of 12:00 Noon, to then meet in the Holiday Inn Restaurant: carried, Allard, Edmondson, ,Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker aA9Wonder voting aye by voice vote. (e _ 7 -2,./,; READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY 47,. ) /6„. 7 ) DATE COUNC j/_14 DATE C UMOOMIVI 213 MAY 17, 1976 - MAY 18, 1976 ATTEST: Ar tC _ CITY w,ERK MAYOR / SPECIAL MEETING - May 18, 1976 Joint Meeting: City Council & Human Relations Commission At 7:00 P.M., May 18, 1976, at the Frasu West Restaurant :Banquet Room. I/ 1 1 Council members present included Nadine Walker, Bill Sim- mons, Jean Allard, Pete Moore and Mayor Betty Edmondson. 'Commission members present included Jay Spearman, Hope ;Gomez, George Tamaki, Naomi Shephard, Mary Gustafson, Mike 'Schwab and Dolores Goodman. ,Human Relations Officer Susan Boughton-Morin together with :Bill Sterling, Instructor at Yakima Valley College, reviewed the materials concerning the Ethnic Awareness Course pre- : sented to members of the Yakima Police Department. Members in attendance at this meeting reviewed a film strip en- 'titled, "From Racism to Pluralism" prepared by Dr. Patricia Bidol, of the Foundation for Change j4 New York. At the conclusion of the film strip, Bill Sterling discussed his role in the Ethnic Awareness Program, emphasising that s he volunteered his services without pay simply because he felt this program was necessary, that he could provide the time, and was willing to assist. Commenting about the program further, Mr. Sterling emphasized that the ground ,rules for the workshop included the opportunity for freedom of expression gor participants together with insuring that the confidentiality of group and individual responses would be maintained by instructors and participants alike. Desr• spite these ground rules, Sterling indicated that they icould not guard against certain individuals giving out information relative to the programs content. Apparently some of this material was disclosed on a piece meal basis, ;prompting misunderstandings concerning the nature of infor- mation. Because of this, Sterling felt that reviewing the entire film strip together with the printed materials would be more illustrative and provide a comprehensive overview of the actual content and thrust of the class. iSusan Boughton-Morin discussed the mechanics of the class 'indicating that it was intended to run for five weeks, with : three days of instruction per week, three classes per day. !The first week focused on racism in general, the second week focused on Black culture; the third week was to address Chicano culture, and the fourth week was to address Native 'American culture. The fifth week of the course was to be an overall evaluation. Commission member Mary Gustafson expressed concern about the 'program being mandatory and asked i this was intended to be a part of the requirements for such training. Mayor Edmond- , son indicated that the Ethnic Awareness Program was to be put into effect for the entire City commencing with the Police Department; eventually it would also include City 'Council members. It had not ever been addressed as a manda- tory program. City Manager McMicken expressed some surprise over the concern for mandatory participation of the program 'inasmuch as the Commission itself had stressed that this program be instituted and was responsible for its origin. Council member Bill Simmons expressed the notion that this kind of training was to be a part of the Police curriculum just as any other training program and that participation was expected in the same context. Finally, Commission 1 I 2.14 MAY 18, 1976 member George Tamaki remarked that a ,vol- untary approach would not be successful, inasmuch as the individuals that attended under these conditions probably would not benefit as much as those who were required to attend. Ms. Boughton -Morin and Chairman Jay Spearman expressed some concern for the need for a Joint Commission and Council meeting in the first place and did not especially understand the meeting's purpose. Mayor Edmondson indicated that the meeting was called for the purposes of informing the Council of the content and context of the Ethnic Awareness Program in response to an inquiry frorn public. In this regard, Loren House of the Support Your`Loca1 Police group indicated that his organization felt that such - a, meeting was necessary I/ because the City Council did not understand the nature of the materials being discussed. { In commenting on the program, Councilman Allard expressed the view that the approach of the program is politically appropriate given the present circumstances within the community. Secondly he thought the program was somewhat social in nature; that ethnic awareness is certainly a part of the entire country's priorities. Finally, Mr. Allard indicated that there are some economic aspects to be con- sidered in such a program, which impact the free enterprise system. Bill Sterling asked the Chief of Police, Jack LaRue, if all training is monitored by Support Your Local Police group and if it is customary for all training to be reviewed by the City Council. The Chief indicated that such training is open for review at any time by the Council upon its request. City Manager McMicken indicated that the training is not monitored by the Support Your Local Police group; the fact is that the Police Department controls and conducts its own training programs which may or may not be reviewed by the City Council. It is important to note, he indicated, that the affairs of the City are•subject to review by the legis- lative authority when asked for and it is altogether appro- priate that a joint meeting of this nature be convened for that purpose. Continuing his remarks, Bill Sterling asked the group what they considered to be objectionable in the materials pre- sented. In response, Council member Simmons questioned the validity of the definitions. He did not subscribe to the viewpoint that "all white individuals in our society are racists ". Council member Simmons indicated that this language is generallystereotyping all whites and does not believe that is appropriate. Mr. Sterling indicated that it is not unusual for this type of reaction to occur among whites and Blacks in our society. It is difficult to accept some of the notions conveyed in these materials, nevertheless, Mr. Sterling still observed this material is accurate, that whites do benefit by their color and that racism is not just a matter of attitudes. Remarking further on this comment, Councilman Simmons indica- ted that he held the opposite view and that it was his position that he as well as other members of his race should try to make a success in whatever the dominant society may be. Mayor Edmondson recounted the City Council's aim is estab- lishing the course. The program was an attempt to make City employees more sensative to minority feelings and, that it was not intended to make whites feel guilty. She then asked the Human Relations Officer and Bill Sterling what their conception of the course goals were. Susan Boughton -Morin indicated that she concurred with the Council's goal, adding that it was their intent to impart understanding and sensitivity to the Police because they often come up against negative i • I ' I ' 41 1 MAY 18, 1976 experiences with minorities in the course of their daily contact on the job. Additionally, Bill Sterling indicated that it was their goal to advise the Police that in our society there had been significant contributions by minority peoples and they wanted to make them aware of these accom- plishments. Nadine Walker expressed the view that she was in attendance at the meeting because of unfamiliarity with the course in general, and that she and other Council members had a right to question these programs, just as any other City business. Mrs. Walker felt the meeting had accomplished the purpose of informing the Council as to the content and nature of in- " struction. Council member Pete Moore indicated that he was quite open minded on the entire matter; but emphasized that better understanding was needed. He supported the Police but indicated that all Council members have the right to review the program. He questioned why the program had been discontinued and why Mr. Sterling was not being compensated for his time. Coumassion member Michael Swabb indicated that the issue of continuing the program is deeper than just ethnic awareness per se. The City Council must decide what direction the Human Relations effort is going in the City. He indicated that the Commission was not created to be offensive and to be troublesome to the community but to promote human rela- tions and serve a humanitarin purpose. In this context the City Council must decide if the actions of the Human Rela- tions Commission have been appropriate. Shwab pointed out that the Commission is gropping for things to do to promote equality and understanding in the community. Commission Chairman Jay Spearman expressed support for the Human Relations Commission effort in this program, but asked that additional leadership come from the City Council, City Manager and Police Chief in programs of this type. Comment- ing on this discussion, Mayor Edmondson indicated that the City Council is attempting to understand and work with the Commission on these programs; that the Council was not here to criticize, rather to conduct an information and fact find- ing effort. The Mayor argued that any taxpayer has the right to criticize and ask questions conerning programs of the Council; therefore, the Council must be familiar with what those programs are accomplishing in the community. Commission member Delores Goodman expressed the view that the work of the Human Relations Commission had been signifi- cant and that she was proud to be a part of its organiza- tion. She indicated that talking and communicating in meetings of this kind may lead to progess in promoting equality in all races in our community and in our country. In closing the remarks on the course, Bill Sterling reiter- ated some of his expectations of the Ethnic Awareness Train- ing. He had hoped that there would be some further appreci- ation and recognition of ethnic minorities relationships with members of the white race together with some recogni- tion of attitudinal differences between racial groups. In addition, he wanted Police officers and other participants to have a historical base covering the contributions made by minorities in the country, such as inventions and other patriotic actions over the years. Ideally, the program would have stimulated some change in negative attitudes. Chairman Jay Spearman concluded the meeting expressing the hope that the Ethnic Awareness Training would be continued and that the Council would continue to support the efforts of the Human Relations Commission in such endeavors. 216 MAY 18, 1976 - MAY 20, 1976 READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE B. (24-A-4_4" TE 6 - ; 76 COUNCILMAN • 7- 746 COUNCILMAN ATTEST: _07 • • O fl.h.W. "1/ CITY CLEN ( MAYOR ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING - THURSDAY, MAY 20, 1976 The City Council met in session on this date at 12:00 Noon in the Holiday Inn Restaurant, Yakima, Washington. Councilmen present at the meeting were Jean R. Allard, Mayor Betty L. Edmondson, Ralph Holbrook, W. K. "Pete" Moore, Dr. Bill Simmons, Nadine Walker and Gordon Wonder. Council members held general discussion on various City matters. No formal action was taken at this meeting. There being no further business to come before the Council, it was MOVED by Simmons, seconded by Walker that we do now adjourn at the hour of 1:30 P.M.: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker and Wonder voting aye 7 Y voice vote. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY DATE •eUN IL 2 DATE / /' COUNC ATTEST: , CITY CL /MAYOR