The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About04/16/1996 Business Meeting 1 CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON APRIL 16, 1996 BUSINESS MEETING 1. ROLL CALL The City Council met in session on this date at 2:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington, Mayor Lynn Buchanan, presiding. Council Members Clarence Barnett, Henry Beauchamp, Ernie Berger, John Klingele, John Puccinelli, and Bernard Sims present on roll call. City Manager Zais, Assistant City Attorney McMurray, and City Clerk Roberts also present. 2. PRESENTATION OF COLORS /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE BY CUB SCOUT PACK #208 The Cub .Scouts not being present, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Barnett. 3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER A . PROCLAMATIONS (IF APPLICABLE) Mayor Buchanan read a proclamation declaring April 29 - May 6, 1996 as Yakima Air Fair Weekend. He encouraged all citizens to participate in this event. Terry Powell accepted the proclamation and presented an Air Fair Poster by Phil Kooser. April 15 - 19, 1996 was proclaimed Yamate High School Hospitality Week. Takashi Wada, Group Leader of the Yamate High School students, through interpretation by John Rippey, a Teacher at Yamate .High School, thanked everyone who hosted the students in Yakima; they have had a wonderful time visiting parks, shopping and attending school. Mr. Wada invited as many as possible to visit Yokohama, Japan during the American exchange return trip in July. Mayor Buchanan read a proclamation declaring April 14 - 20, 1996 as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. On behalf of the Dispatchers and Call Takers, Larry Morehouse thanked the Council for recognizing the vital contributions by public safety telecommunications personnel. It was MOVED BY PUCCINELLI, SECONDED BY BERGER, TO PLACE ON THE MAY 7, 1996 AGENDA, THE ISSUE OF CONTINUED CITY PARTICIPATION IN THE PTBA. The motion carried by 6 -1 voice vote; Sims voting nay. Staff was directed to notify Yakima County that the Council will be considering this issue. Irene. Gutierrez announced that the Alley Cats Program has been selected as a Point of Light Presidential Award recipient. Renee Kabrich, Director of the Volunteer Bureau, introduced Corky Mattingley, representing Senator Murray's office, read a letter from Senator Patty Murray 2 APRIL 16, 1996 congratulating the group on the award from President Clinton. In honor of National Volunteers Week, Irene Gutierrez summarized the volunteer effort in 'graffiti removal involving many projects. She recognized volunteers from the local area along with local businesses which have kept the program going. 4. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Buchanan referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning whether there were any additions or deletions from either Council members or citizens present. It was the general consensus of the Council to remove Item No. 11 and add Items Nos. 10 and 25. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances by title. It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY KLINGELE, THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA, AS READ, BE ADOPTED. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk ( *) indicate items on the Consent. Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion.) *5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF DECEMBER 11, 1995 ADJOURNED MEETING, JANUARY 9, JANUARY 23, FEBRUARY 6, 1996 BUSINESS MEETINGS, FEBRUARY 13, 1996 ADJOURNED MEETING AND APRIL 2, 1996 ADJOURNED AND BUSINESS MEETINGS The minutes of the December 11, 1995 Adjourned Meeting, January 9, January 23, and February 6, 1996 Business Meetings, February 13, 1996 Adjourned Meeting and April 2, 1996 Adjourned and Business meetings were approved, having been duly certified accurate by two Council members and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly. 6. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION None. 7. REPORT FROM TRANSIT REGARDING PROPOSED ELIMINATION OF SUNDAY AND HOLIDAY DIAL -A -RIDE SERVICE (CONTINUED FROM 3/19/96) Bill Schultz, Transit Manager, explained this item has been brought forward from a previous meeting to advertise for public testimony. The issue is whether to eliminate Dial -A- Ride service on Sundays and on holidays. The ADA requires paratransit services on at least those days when bus service is provided. The City of Yakima has offered more than the minimum service. This elimination would provide some sort of control over costs. Mayor Buchanan opened the public meeting and invited public testimony about the proposal. Chris Heeley strongly opposed the Dial -A -Ride service reduction proposal because of its effect on the well being of passengers who utilize the service, because of a reduction in their social interaction. 2 3: APRIL 16, 1996 Ray Patnode, Summitviiew`oManor,'rreported there are four to six people who ride Dial -A -Ride on Sunday, and this is the last thread of independence for these people. He urged Council not to discontinue the Sunday service. Council Member Berger explained the transportation system is experiencing economic difficulty and the whole system could fail. Council Member Sims reported further erosion has occurred within the transportation system and urged Mr. Patnode to attend an upcoming meeting in support of the PTBA. Council Member Beauchamp observed that since the nursing homes decreased transportation services to their clients, the Dial -A -Ride costs have soared. There, . needs to be a collaborative effort with the nursing home industry. Mary McDaniels did not want the Dial -A -Ride service to be reduced; the services are necessary. She feels the PTBA must be established in order to save the Transit System. There being no one else wishing to comment, Mayor Buchanan closed the public testimony. Council Member Beauchamp felt that denying access is harsh and insensitive to those who rely upon this service. Council Member Berger declared there is a need for cost saving measures and not many alternatives to do that. Council Member Puccinelli commented that the culprits are those who abuse the system because of how the law is written; the ADA regulations need to be amended in order to bring costs under control. It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY SIMS, NOT TO ACCEPT THE STAFF RECOMMENDATION TO ELIMINATE SUNDAY AND HOLIDAY DIAL -A -RIDE SERVICE. The motion carried by a 5 -2 voice vote; Berger and Buchanan voting nay. 8. REPORT FROM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REGARDING NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS Dixie Kracht, Block Grant Manager, introduced Carol Fredrickson, Chairperson of the Community Development Advisory Committee. Ms. Fredrickson introduced the Committee members in attendance and answered questions from the Council about the process. Committee members are assigned to each project to monitor the outcome of the grant. She also reported the funds made available from the withdrawal of the Parks & Recreation application will be placed into the Contingency Fund to be decided later. Council Member Beauchamp also commented that it should be an accountable process and should encourage neighborhood commitment. The Residential Fencing Project requested by the Housing Foundation, Project #2, was reviewed, details of the proposal discussed, and additional information provided. It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY BERGER, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. The Yakima Housing Authority Resident's Community Center Project, Project #4, was reviewed, details of the proposal 3 `t APRIL 16, 1996 discussed, and additional information provided. It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. The South East Neighborhood Reforestation Project, Project #5, was reviewed, details of the proposal discussed and additional information provided. It was MOVED BY BERGER, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. The Parkway Place Project, Project #7, was reviewed, details of the proposal discussed, and additional information provided. It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY BARNETT, TO APPROVE THE PROJECT. The motion carried by a 5 -2 voice vote; Klingele and Berger voting nay. The Associacions De Barrios Hispanos Project, Project #8, was reviewed, details of the proposal discussed, and additional information provided. It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY PUCCINELLI, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. The Pilgrim Rest Southeast Clean Up Project, Project #9, was reviewed, details of the proposal discussed, and additional information provided. It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. The Southeast Yakima Community Center Gym Equipment Project, Project #11, was presented. It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. 9. PRESENTATION OF DOWNTOWN PLAN C. Camron Parker, Community and Economic Development Department Assistant, referenced the proposal and provided some background information. Council Member Barnett expressed concern about the Zoning Ordinance being changed to eliminate paving in front yards. Many homeowners are doing it in order to keep traffic flowing since the streets are narrow. Glenn Valenzuela, Director of Community and Economic Development, provided some background information about the plan and a brief history of the Parking and Business Improvement Area. Jim Jacobs, Chamber of Commerce President; Doug Picatti, Westside Merchants Association; and Corday Trick, North Front Street Improvement Association reported their respective organizations have unanimously endorsed the Yakima Core Plan I/ because it will enhance Yakima's image and strengthen the business district. It was MOVED BY PUCCINELLI, SECONDED BY BERGER, TO DIRECT STAFF TO PREPARE THE APPROPRIATE LEGISLATION TO ADOPT THE DOWNTOWN PLAN. Dan Patton, President of the Yakima Gateway Tower Foundation, offered assistance from his organization to 4 • APRIL 16, 1996 AP _ , assist in establishing a local arts commission as indicated in the Yakima Core ,Phan;. He , suggested a survey be done to develop specific priorities to reflect an image of a safe and friendly environment within the downtown area. Although she feels the quality of the report is very good, Bev Luby Bartz explained she would like to see apartment dwellers and other downtown residents represented in the downtown endorsement community. There was discussion about the Town Hall process. City Manager Zais commended Camron Parker for his hard work on this project. The question was called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. • *10. REPORT FROM FINANCE DEPARTMENT REGARDING ANALYSIS OF PROPERTY TAXES AND RATES The Report was approved. 11. CONSIDERATION OF LEGISLATION RELATING TO EMERGENCY REPAIRS FOR FRUITVALE POWER IRRIGATION DIVERSION CHANNEL: A. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REPAIRS WITHOUT CALLING FOR BIDS Council Member Klingele questioned if any of the private canal companies served by the Fruitvale Canal will be billed for any of these costs. Dueane Calvin, Interim Water & Irrigation Manager, responded that staff is researching the PP &L (previous canal owner) agreements to determine if those private canal companies are responsible for paying any of these costs. Council Member Barnett questioned if all the citizens should be paying for these repairs since the damage was caused by an Act of God. City Manager Zais explained the cost of repairing this flood damage clearly impacts the irrigation system ands. , ":should . assigned to the district. This could be considered an emergency contingency fund expenditure. Council Member Barnett feels that those citizens using city water for irrigation should be billed for their share of these costs. Resolution No. R -96 -47 was read by title and it was MOVED BY KLINGELE, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. RESOLUTION NO. R- 96 -47, A RESOLUTION declaring an emergency and authorizing immediate repair and rehabilitation of the Fruitvale Power Canal intake project without calling for bids. B. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1996 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR REPAIR. OF FRUITVALE POWER IRRIGATION DIVERSION CHANNEL (NO FORMAL ACTION REQUIRED AT THIS MEETING) An Ordinance amending the 1996 budget for the City of Yakima; and making an appropriation of $175,810 in the Irrigation Fund for expenditure during 1996 for emergency repairs to the Fruitvale Irrigation Diversion Canal, having been read by title only, was laid on the table for three weeks, until May 7, 1996. 5 r APRIL 16, 1996 *12. CONSIDERATION OF MOTION AMENDING THE ACTIVITY PLAN FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN CDBG (FOWLER PROJECT) The Consolidated Plan's Activity Plan for Economic Development was amended to include the Fowler project infrastructure improvement. *13. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING YAKIMA COUNTY I/ COMMISSIONERS TO PLACE THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES LEVY ON THE BALLOT FOR SIX YEAR RE- APPROVAL RESOLUTION NO. R- 96 -48, A RESOLUTION authorizing the Yakima County Commissioners to place the Emergency Medical Services Levy on the ballot for a re- approval of six years by the voters. *14. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION ACCEPTING HEARING EXAMINER DECISION FOR THE AMENDED PLAT FOR GATEWAY CENTER (VICINITY OF 12 N. FAIR AVENUE REQUESTED BY GARY LUKEHART) RESOLUTION NO. R- 96 -49, A RESOLUTION ratifying the Hearing Examiner's decision approving amendment of the Yakima Gateway Center Final Plat, and authorizing the mayor to sign the revised final plat. *15. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION ACCEPTING HEARING EXAMINER DECISION REGARDING THE VACATION OF PUBLIC UTILITY AND ACCESS EASEMENT FOR SUNCREST III (VICINITY OF 1510 S. SUNCREST WAY REQUESTED BY UNITED BUILDERS) RESOLUTION NO. R- 96 -50, A RESOLUTION ratifying the Hearing Examiner's decision approving vacation of an unnecessary portion of an easement for access and public utilities in the Suncrest III Subdivision, and authorizing the mayor to sign an instrument to give effect to the decision. *16. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURES FOR THE YAKIMA AIR FAIR DURING MAY 2 -5, 1996 RESOLUTION NO. R- 96 -51, A RESOLUTION authorizing temporary closure of portions of 16th Avenue and Spring Creek Road for the 1996 Yakima Air Fair. *17. CONSIDERATION OF LEGISLATION RELATING TO REFORMATION OF PARKING AND BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA IN DOWNTOWN YAKIMA: A. RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A PARKING AND BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA IN DOWNTOWN YAKIMA I/ RESOLUTION NO. R- 96 -52, A RESOLUTION of the City Council of the City of Yakima, Washington, declaring the intention of the City Council to establish a parking and business improvement area in downtown Yakima, and fixing a time, date and place for a hearing on formation of such parking and business improvement area. 6 7 APRIL 16, 1996 , I B. RESOLUTION FIXING'° y` TIME AND , ' , DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON FORMATION OF PARKING AND BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA FOR MAY 7, 1996 RESOLUTION NO. R-96-53, A RESOLUTION of the City Council of the City of Yakima, Washington, initiation reformation of Parking and Business Improvement Area No. 1 within the downtown area of the City. I/ *18. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH YAKIMA NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTH SERVICES TO PROVIDE MEDICAL SERVICES FOR CITY DETENTION FACILITY RESOLUTION NO. R- 96 -54, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute a personal services agreement between the City of Yakima and Yakima Neighborhood Health Services, a nonprofit corporation, to provide jail medical services. *19. APPROVAL OF 1995 YEAR -END BUDGET REPORT The 1995 Year -End Budget Revenue & Expenditure Report was accepted. *20. APPROVAL OF FIRST QUARTER 1996 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE REPORT The First Quarter 1996 Accounts Receivable Report was accepted. *21. APPROVAL OF 1995 YEAR -END HEALTH BENEFIT REPORT , The 1995 Year -End Report 'for ' "the City of Yakima's Self - Insured Health Care Plan was accepted. *22. APPROVAL OF 1995 PARKS AND RECREATION ANNUAL REPORT The 1995 Parks and Recreation Division Annual Report was accepted. *23. SET DATE OF PUBLIC MEETING FOR MAY 7, 1996 TO CONSIDER HEARING EXAMINER RECOMMENDATION TO DENY REZONE OF PROPERTY IN VICINITY OF 1105 AND 1109 EAST MEAD REQUESTED BY TERRY MORTON AND LYNN PARTON > May 7, 1996 was set as the Date of a public meeting to consider the Hearing Examiner's recommendation to deny a rezone request submitted by Terry Morton and Lynn Parton. I/ *24. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1996 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR UNANTICIPATED ELECTION EXPENSES (No FORMAL ACTION REQUIRED AT THIS MEETING) An Ordinance amending the 1996 budget for the City of Yakima; and making an appropriation of $28,637 in the General Fund for expenditure during 1996 for unanticipated election expenses having been read by title only, was laid on the table for three weeks, until May 7, 1996. 7 8 APRIL 16, 1996 25. OTHER BUSINESS It was MOVED BY BERGER, SECONDED BY SIMS, THAT THE CITY FILE A COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY JUDGMENT WITH THE YAKIMA COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT TO RESOLVE THE UTILITY TAX PAYMENT ISSUE INVOLVING THE CITY OF UNION GAP AND THE TERRACE HEIGHTS SEWER I/ DISTRICT. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Council Member Barnett was impressed with Bob Wheeler's report and he appreciated his efforts, particularly the graphs illustrated in the report. Information Items: Items of information provided to Council were: Notice of Chamber of Commerce functions. Invitation to groundbreaking ceremony for the restoration of the historic YVT Railroad on May 3rd; Letter and agenda from the Department of the Army regarding upcoming Policy Committee meeting on April 18th; Memorandum from Director of Community and Economic Development regarding 1995 HOME Annual Performance Report. 4/10/96; Notice of 1996 Spring Clean -up Program. 4/8/96; Memorandum from Legal Department regarding Damage Claims Referred to Third Party Claims Adjuster. 4/9/96; Memorandum from Chief Examiner regarding 1996 Firefighter Statistical Data. 3/26/96; Letter to Office of Financial Management regarding Housing Unit and Population Estimate Report for April 2, 1995 through April 1, 1996. 4/8/96; Assignments Pending in Office of Environmental Planning as of April 16, 1996; Human Resources Division monthly reports for March 1996; EPA Watch Newsletter; 2/15/96; Final Environmental Impact Statement Summary for Yakima Fisheries Project. 1/96; March 1996 Monthly Report for Code Administration Division; and Article from April 5, 1996 The Wall Street Journal, "Health -Care Reform in State of Washington Riles Nearly Everyone." *25B. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF PROMOTIONAL FARE BUS PASSES TO 125 JAPANESE EXCHANGE STUDENTS RESOLUTION NO. R- 96 -55, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City of Yakima Transit Division to issue promotional fare bus passes to 125 Japanese exchange students and escorts to be valid during a two week period of time while these students visit the City of Yakima. 26. EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING: A. COLLECTIVE BARGAINING (FIREFIGHTERS, DISPATCHERS, AND 911 CALL - TAKERS) B. PENDING LITIGATION (ACQUAVELLA) It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY PUCCINELLI, TO MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSSION COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AND I/ PENDING LITIGATION FOR APPROXIMATELY 25 MINUTES, WITH ADJOURNMENT THEREAFTER TO APRIL 23, 1996 AT 7 :00 A.M. TO CONTINUE DISCUSSION REGARDING THE GMA CAPITAL FACILITIES PLAN. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. 8 • APRIL 16, 1996 27. ADJOURNMENT TO APRIL23, 1996 . ,AT 7:00 A.M. TO CONTINUE DISCUSSION REGARDING GMA CAPITAL FACILITIES PLAN (LOCATION TO BE ANNOUNCED) (THE APRIL 23, 1996 JOINT MEETING WITH UNION GAP AND YAKIMA COUNTY HAS BEEN CANCELED AT REQUEST OF YAKIMA COUNTY) Immediately following the conclusion of the Executive Session, the meeting 'adjourned at 4:40 p.m. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: 4 �L� • r I UNC L MEMBE DATE • COUNCIL MEMBER DATE ATTEST: ti ) P-49- #0 CITY CLERK LYNN BUCHANAN, MAYOR Minutes prepared by Deputy City Clerk Skovald. An audio and video tape of this meeting are available in the City Clerk's Office 1 • . 9