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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/01/1976 Business Meeting 1 f 1 JUNE 1, 1976 The City Council met in session on this date at 1:30 P.M. in the City Shops Conference Room. 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. Director of Public Works, Dave Vargas presented a status review of the preliminary 1977 Arterial Street Construction Program and the Six Year Construction Program scheduled to be filed with the State Department of Highways. Mr. Vargas indicated that the State Highway Department establishes the criteria for P rioritizinc funding for all projects. This criteria includes the speed and delay of traffic, traffic accidents, and traffic volume. Funding generally comes from Federal-Aid to Municipalities, Federal- Aid and Safety Program, the Urban Arterial Board and 1/2 cent gas tax funds. For the federal dollars there is 90% funding with a 10% local City match. Mr. Vargas indicated that it is normal procedure for the Planning Commission to review the con- struction program and give their recommendations for the program. Council held a general discussion on the plan. Projects receiving the most interest included Walnut Street improvements from 7th Avenue to 6th Street which involves either restriping with a left turn lane or widening and retaining parking in the area. Council also expressed some concern about seeing a plan developed with respect to bike paths. A question was raised about adding new projects in future years. Mr. Vargas indicated that in general, funds are tight for new projects; however, that does not preclude adding additional projects as the Council sees appropriate. However, the approval process is more particular this year and in future years the City must go through the Conference of Govern- ments and compete with Yakima County and Selah for obtaining approval on projects. The plan however may be changed each year and this is the time of year for which the Council has an opportunity to add or subtract and prioritize its particular needs with respect to additional projects. Councilman Allard asked whether it would be possible to restore the left turn arrow at 5th Avenue and Walnut to ease the traffic flow problems in that area. Traffic Engineer Bill Stark and Dave Vargas indicated that the signal arrangement previously in operation will no longer be legal as of January 1977; therefore, the City was attempting to stay in compliance with the law. Additionally, the arrow was taken off because of a timing problem in progression of signalization at the intersection crossed streets. However, Mr. Vargas indicated that they would give additional study to this intersection to evaluate the prospects for restoring the left turn arrow. Council member Wonder expressed some concern about the West Side Central Business District Improvement Project asking for some further information about the program inasmuch as it contemplates an expenditure of $1 million in 1978. Mr. Vargas indicated that the improvements programmed were those necessary to conform to the National Uniform Traffic Manual and include signals, lights, signs, parking, bus turnouts and other improvments on Yakima Avenue and in the Central Business District up to and including 7th Avenue. Also contemplated is some landscaping treatment in the vicinity and street lighting in the railroad track areas. Mr. Wonder expressed the opinion that as this project gets underway, the City should be communicating with the residents in the area and have a conuuittee review on the improvements planned. Councilman Allard inquired whether or not the Council had the prerogative of canceling the improvments planned on Walnut from 6th Street to 6th Avenue and leaving it as it is. Mr. Vargas replied that there was no problem in eliminating the project from the plan, it could be changed if Council so desires. 230 JUNE 1, 1976 Mr. Holbrook inquired about general repairs to Yakima Avenue. IMr. Vargas responded that an overlay plan was being considered, but that no money from the State, Federal or 1/2 sources is permissable :for maintenance purposes. Funds must come from local sources and it is to be included as a part of the 1977 budget program. !Council was apprised that the entire Six Year Street Program would be returned to them for final approval June 21, and at that time they would have the opportunity to add or delete projects as desired. ;Reflecting on this, Dr. Simmons expressed the view that it would be helpful to him and other Council members if they could be provided with a map of the Arterial Street Plan that included several overlay! ;sheets, indicating the general plan of the City, problems in street areas and proposed changes to be considered. This would provide la visual review and graphic illustration of the program. The City !Manager and Mr. Vargas indicated that this could be done and would be made available for the Council's review June 21st. ) The Council next listened to several alternative designs for Yakima !Avenue and Naches Avenue intersection presented by Traffic Engineer Bill Stark. Mr. Stark noted that various improvements to this intersec- tion had been considered by the Council in 1973. Alternatives included (a) signalized intersection with a left turn lane and a right turn ! 'off of Naches as a three phase signal, (b) a plan involving signalized 'intersection with no access to South Naches, (c) the present design ;which calls for a mandatory right and left turn only onto Naches ! Avenue. Additionally, Council examined several different signalization :alternatives. The design has been reviewed by the DARC Committee ,which has favored the U-Turn approach that would allow for a full ;three phase signalization intersection and left turn provisions. The ,plan intends that Naches is not to be a north-south arterial. Council 'expressed some interest in DARC's recommendation; however, concluded' on the note that some additional studies should take place. It was the consensus of the Council that a report should be made by the Traffic Engineer, which would evaluate the alternative changes to the intersection, together with an assessment of costs and possible !funding alternatives. At 3:00 P.M., the Council members returned to the Council Chambers in City Hall for the balance of the meeting, Mayor Edmondson presiding, Councilmen Allard, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker and Wonder, City 'Manager McMicken and City Attorney Andrews present on roll call. , The Invocation was given by Councilman Simmons. The Minutes of the previous meeting of May 24, 1976, having been read by two Councilmen and no one present wishing to have said Minutes Iread publicly, Mayor Edmondson declared said Minutes approved with one correction. , This being the time set for a Hearing on Resolution of Intention , No D-3524, to create a Local Improvement District by the construc- tion of water mains for the Freeway Industrial Park, Director of :Public Works Dave Vargas explained that the project area is to be !divided into four parcels, possibly more. This plan includes future) i subdivision, although the owner does not plan to sell the lots at this time and subdivide. Water is needed for fire protection and 'reasonable insurance rates. Mr. Vargas explained that normally, !there would be a subdivision request; however, there is no plan to subdivide lots at this time. The staff is concerned that if the 'project goes through, the City is faced with insufficient roads in 'the future and will have to maintain dirt or gravel roads. The Fire' 'Department is also concerned about getting their equipment into this 'industrial area. Mr. Vargas suggested there should be an agreement iby the developer to put in paved streets. In response to a question! from Councilman Allard, Mr. Vargas indicated there are plans for eventually sewering this area. Mr. Paul Cook, Cook-Lewis Construction Company, part owner of the property, explained that Cook-Lewis met !with City staff and came to an agreement re this L.I.D. Mr. Cook JUNE 1, 1976 agreed to the requested easements required by the City Engineer for watermain installation, to be maintained by the City. He indicated that subsequent to the meeting with City staff, the City has decided to install the mains differently and the recommenda- tion now will run approximately $38,000 to $39,000, rather than the earlier figure of approximately $26,000. Mr. Cook indicated Cook-Lewis will gravel the road and grade it, but felt that staff was now adding requirements to what had been earlier discussed and agreed upon. He further indicated that now the Fire Department has indicated that they want another fire detection warning system installed, in effect, requiring two systems. He indicated they have agreed to the sprinkler system, but do not agree to pave the streets, because it is felt to be unnecessary and is too expensive. Mr. Cook explained that if in the future they can sell some more lots, they may agree to the paving. Mr. Bob Lewis, Cook-Lewis Construction Company, explained that a building permit had been issued but word from the Fire Department was received re the need for watermains, after which a meeting was held in order to reach agreement. As a result, it was determined that the watermains would be put in. He indicated the original plan was to bring the main from Naches Avenue looping back to a 6-inch main. He explained further that the City now does not plan to connect to the previously indicated 6-inch main. He indicated that sewers are so expensive it is not possible for installation of them at this time. Mr. Lewis explained they have agreed to put in an approved sprinkler system, but now a Supervised Early Detection System is required. City Engineer Fritz Jaeger indicated that the increased costs were due to additional pipe which was required for a subsequent plan brought in by Mr. Lewis. Mr. Vargas again reiterated that the roads eventually should be paved and an agreement for that purpose should be obtained at this time. Also, easements for sewers are needed, explaining that should they have to go in later and tear up roads to get the sewers in, this would cause difficulty. Mr. Vargas asked that Cook-Lewis lay out plans for septic tank systems so that these can eventually be hooked up to the future City sewer system. In response to a question from Councilman Allard, Mr. Vargas indicated that to serve the balance of the area outside the project, the City will have to put in approximately $30,000 for mains. Councilman Holbrook expressed concern that the main issue seemed to be communication with City staff. Again, City Engineer Fritz Jaeger reviewed the original proposal for watermain installation proposed by City staff and the subsequent plan brought in by Mr. Lewis, indicating that a revised estimate was made on the additional piping necessary for the latter. City Manager McMicken reminded those present that the proposed Ordinance creating the Local Improvement District to be passed today does not include some of the conditions asked for at this meeting. Councilman Holbrook suggested that the staff meet with Cook-Lewis to see if a further agreement can be reached. Mr. McMicken cited one problem, namely, that the City does not have full paving requirements in the Subdivision code at this time. Fire Chief Ed Carroll, being present, read a letter he had written to Cook-Lewis dated April 8, 1976. He explained that the nature of the project area would have an impact on the fire protection and, therefore, the sprinkler system is requested. Also, because of conflicts with the present water system, the Early Detection System is required. He further indicated that the Fire Department does not require a paved road, but a surface that will support the fire apparatus. He indicated that the sprinkler systems should be in as early as possible. Chief Carroll indicated that Cook-Lewis had essentially met the require- ments requested by the Fire Department. At the close of discussion, City Manager McMicken indicated that final design on this LID would be worked out further with Cook-Lewis and that Cook-Lewis would have the opportunity to review the final cost and bids. It was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Simmons that Ordinance No. 1956, creating LID No. 1009, Freeway Properties, Inc. Water District, be passed: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. '23 JUNE 1, 1976 !ORDINANCE NO. 1956, AN ORDINANCE providing for the improvement of certain property by constructing the necessary mains, fire hydrants, !valves, and other appurtenances for the purpose of supplying water for domestic use and fire protection; establishing a Local Improvement District, providing for the method of payment thereof, and creating a special fund. The Council next discussed the proposed Ordinance defining terms land amending regulations applicable to taximeters in taxicabs. ICity Attorney Fred Andrews indicated that the proposed amendments ;allow for electronic taximeters used by the new cab company in ;Yakima. He indicated that the change is one of wording to accommodate the newer type of meter. He indicated that in reviewing this type 1 of meter with the Police Department, he determined the cab company had complied with the City's Code; however, the Ordinance language was changed to indicate more specifically that they were in compliance. 1,Present and speaking to this matter was Mrs. Grace Kauzlarich, ;Yellow Cab Company, who questioned why this type of electronic meter is allowed and further asked to be kept informed whenever an item an reference to taxicabs is placed on the agenda. Mr. George Kapelas, !Diamond Cab Company, also requested to be kept informed of agenda items related to taxicabs. After due discussion, it was MOVED by Holbrook, seconded by Simmons that Ordinance No. 1959, providing 'for said amendments, be passed: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. ORDINANCE NO. 1959, AN ORDINANCE relating to licenses and business iregUlations; defining terms and amending regulations applicable to taximeters in taxicabs; and amending Subsections 5.78.020(e), 1 5.78.110(d), and 5.78.110(f) of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. City Manager McMicken requested authorization to engage legal services 'in connection with the issuance of City Limited Tax Levy General ! Obligation Bonds to finance the central business district improvements; "specifically, the bond counsel of Preston, Thorgrimson, Ellis, !Holman and Fletcher, Bond Counsel of Seattle. It was MOVED by :Simmons, seconded by Holbrook that Resolution:No. D-3530,, authorizing the engagement of said bond counsel, be passed': carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker and Wonder voting aye 1 on roll call. !RESOLUTION NO. D-3530, A RESOLUTION of the Council of the City of Yakima, Washington, retaining counsel for certain services in ;connection with the limited tax levy general obligation bonds of ;the City. City Manager McMicken requested authorization to execute an agreement to participate in a University of Puget Sound Work Study Program, to employ a student for the summer with the Parks and Recreation ;Department. He indicated that the local funding for wages is 30 1percent. It was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Simmons that Resolution 1No. D-3531, authorizing the execution of said agreement, be passed: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker and ;Wonder voting aye on roll call. 'RESOLUTION NO. D-3531, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute an agreement to :participate in a University of Puget Sound work-study Program. City Manager McMicken requested approval of the eligibility standards for the sale of rehabilitated housing as recommended by the Yakima !Housing Authority in their report dated May!1°, 1976. It was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Holbrook that the Council accept the report of the Director of Community Development regarding the eligibility ;standards for sale of rehabilitated housing as recommended by the ;Yakima Housing Authority: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. 'City Manager McMicken reported that bids were received and considered on May 20, 1976, for LID No. 1007, West Chestnut Sewer District, as follows: 233 JUNE 1, 1976 Hanson Excavating Company, Tacoma $312,547.20 DeBlasio Construction, Yakima 325,126.52 Tony Russell Construction, Elmer City 326,730.60 Armstrong and Armstrong, Inc., Wenatchee 333,708.90 E. M. Gostovich, Sunnyside 340,628.40 , Lyndbrook Construction, Inc., Lynnwood 407,802.68 Robert R. McGrew, Inc., Vancouver 474,542.78 Smelson, Inc., Sedro Woolley 476,495.25 1 Valley Cement Construction, Auburn 559,372.59 Marshall Associated Contractors, Tualatin, Ore. 619,625.27 National Construction Company, Inc., Midway 665,830.20 City Manager McMicken reiterated that the Engineer's Estimate was $412,898.85 and the low bid of Hanson Excavating was received in the amount of $312,547.20. The Director of Public Works recommending that the bid be awarded to Hanson Excavating Company, Inc. who submitted the lowest and best bid, it was 'MOVED by Moore, seconded by Simmons that the bid be awarded to Hanson Excavating Company, Inc., Tacoma, in the amount of $312,547.20 and that the City Manager be authorized to 'enter into contract with said contractor upon the filing of the proper bond and insurance: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. It was MOVED by Holbrook, seconded by Moore that Ordinance iNo. 1957, providing for the sale of General Obligation Bonds for the Downtown Improvement Project, be passed: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons and Walker-voting aye on roll call; Wonder voting nay on roll call. ORDINANCE NO. 1957, AN ORDINANCE of the City Council of the City of Yakima, Washington, providing for the issuance and sale of limited tax levy general obligation bonds of the City in the principal amount of $550,000 for the purpose of providing funds for improving streets and acquiring, constructing and improving off-street parking facilities within the Central ,Business District of the City. An Ordinance appropriating $552,415 to various accounts within ,123-Community Development Fund, having been read by title only at the previous meeting and being again read by title only at this meeting, it was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Holbrook that Ordinance No. 1958, providing for said appropriation, be passed: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Ordinance No. 1958, AN ORDINANCE appropriating the amount of $552,415 from unappropriated money in 123-Community Development Fund to various accounts therein as a 1976 appropriation for 123-Community Development Fund. An Ordinance appropriating the amount of $2,900 within the General Fund to pay for a citizens survey in connection with a transportation study, having been read by title only at this meeting, was laid on the table for one week or until June 7, 1976. City Manager McMicken explained that in mid-June a citizens survey will be conducted to identify transportation problems within the Yakima Metropolitan Transportation Study Boundary. The City has been requested to provide temporary help and establish a payroll for persons assisting with the survey. The temporary employment of ten persons is estimated at a total salary of $2,900 and all appropriated monies will be reimbursed by the Yakima County Conference of Governments from monies allocated to conduct the transportation planning for the Yakima area. a 2: JUNE 1, 1976 Petition No. 884, having been filed with the City Clerk on May 21, 1976, by the Yakima Legal Center, Inc., requesting vacation of an abutting alley, the Council entered into discussion regarding future charges for street vacations. Mr. McMicken reviewed City Manager Report No. 261 on this subject and the earlier request by Council that those benefited property owners pay compensation to the City in accordance with State Law. It was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Wonder that the Petition of Yakima Legal Center, Inc., for the vacation of the alley as set forth in Petition No. 884, be referred to the City Manager and Planning Commission for study and recommendation and further, that it is the plan of the City Council to charge for vacated property: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Councilman Wonder discussed this matter, feeling the Council should set out what they want the staff to do in the way of setting out fees for properties charged, feeling they should ask a percentage of the appraised value of the abutting property for street /alley vacations. City Manager McMicken indicated they would charge the full amount allowable by law. Councilman Holbrook felt the Council should state their intent in a general way by appropriate legislation and hold a hearing on this matter. After due discussion, it was the Council consensus that the staff be directed to draw up appropriate legis- lation stating the Council's intention to charge for street vacations. There being no further business to come before the Council, it was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Simmons that this meeting be adjourned at 5:50 P.M. to Thursday, June 3, 1976, at the hour of 12:00 Noon, to then meet in the Holiday Inn Restaurant: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, Walker and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. j Oe READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY // 6 - 7- 7 COUNCILMAN ATTEST: CITY CRK / MAYOR