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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/15/1994 Business Meeting 1 CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON NOVEMBER 15, 1994 BUSINESS MEETING I/ 1. ROLL CALL The City Council met in session on this date at 2:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Mayor Pat Berndt, presiding, Council Members Clarence Barnett, Ernie Berger, Bill Brado, Lynn Buchanan, and Bernard Sims present on roll call. Council Member Henry Beauchamp absent and excused. City Manager Zais, City Attorney Paolella, and City Clerk Roberts also present. 2. INVOCATION /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Berger. 3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER A. PROCLAMATIONS (IF APPLICABLE) Glenn Valenzuela, Director of Community & Economic Development, announced the public hearing on the Consolidated Draft Plan, originally scheduled for today, will be December 20, 1994 at. 2:00 p.m - ,in the Council Chambers at City Hall. A 30 - day opportunity to or comment on the document will begin on November 18, 1994 at both the Office of Housing and Neighborhood Conservation and the Community and Economic Development office. Mayor Berndt proclaimed December 1, 1994 as World Aids Day and urged all citizens to take part in activities and observances designed to increase awareness and understanding of HIV Aids and join the global effort to prevent the further spread of this disease. Carol Folsom presented the Mayor with a poster and lapel pin and then invited all citizens to participate in a number of planned activities. 4. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Berndt referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning whether there were any additions or deletions from either Council members or citizens present. I/ It was the general consensus of the Council that Item No. 14 be removed from the Consent Agenda. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances by title. It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA, AS AMENDED, BE ADOPTED. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote; Beauchamp absent. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk ( *) indicate items on the Consent Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion.) 2 NOVEMBER 15, 1994 *5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 11, 1994 BUSINESS MEETING The minutes of the October 11, 1994 Business Meeting was approved, having been duly certified accurate by two Council members and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly. 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATION FOR YOUTH AWARDS I/ David Helsteth, Vice - President of the Yakima Youth Commission, along with its President, Betsy Nagle - McNaughton, presented certificates of appreciation to youths nominated for Yakima Youth Commission service awards. Mayor Berndt thanked the youth for their participation and recognized their hard work and outstanding service to the community. 7. SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY URBAN EVERHARDT REGARDING WATER ISSUES /FEDERAL ENHANCEMENT BILL Urban Everhardt, a Kittitas Valley farmer with extensive involvement in the Yakima River Basin Enhancement Project, provided a history of the most recent Water Enhancement Bill, which evolved after several legislative attempts since the late 1970s. The primary focus of the legislation is to improve the water supply available for existing irrigation and also to improve the flows for fish and wildlife in the Yakima River system. The key is water use efficiency. The major component of the program is to develop a conservation plan and to implement those improvements to existing irrigation systems. The next step in the process is to urge state lawmakers to pass the appropriation for funds, and after that, to lobby for specific grants. Betty Gaudette, 701 North 6th Street, asked when funding will be available for the deteriorated irrigation system. Mr. Everhardt explained it will probably be spread out over a ten -year period. There was discussion and explanation about the two avenues being pursued to address the irrigation improvement problem -- the Water Enhancement Bill and the Federal Enterprise Zone Application (results are expected within the month). 8. SPECIAL PRESENTATION REGARDING YAKIMA INTERURBAN LINES ASSOCIATION (PLEASE BRING MATERIAL PREVIOUSLY DISTRIBUTED) Glenn Valenzuela, Director of Community and Economic Development, directed Council's attention to a Council decision made earlier this year to fund a feasibility study to determine the restoration of the Interurban Lines Railroad. He introduced Dr. Ken Johnsen and Les Tonkin, Historic Architect, who referenced their report recently submitted to Council. 2 3 NOVEMBER 15, 1994 •, ,u Dr. Johnsen made his presentation that included a five - minute slide show on the history of the'Interurban Lines Railroad and why it needs to be restored. The scope of the study is for restoration of the existing system and includes an evaluation outline, plan and inventory of all repairs to be I/ made. He requested Council accept the report and lend its support to enable them to obtain funding for the restoration work. Mr. Tonkin urged continued support of the YVT trolley system. He explained there are restoration grants available which they will apply and this document is a working tool for that purpose. He suggested using the existing money in the Trolley Fund to match grant funds. Mr. Tonkin concluded his request by explaining that many communities are recreating similar type trolley systems and it is a worthy asset to the community. There was discussion concerning whether or not to accept the entire report containing expenditure requests in possible controversial areas, which could create potential conflict associated with grant applications for other city projects. There was a consensus among Council members to request the YILA to separate the historic aspect and the future enhancement portion of the study into two separate documents. Council Member Brado also expressed concern and comments about the old flat car and track area overgrown with weeds in the vicinity of llth Street and Tieton Drive. It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY BARNETT, TO ACCEPT THIS REPORT FOR A FUTURE. DISCUSSION ITEM. Council Member Barnett requested the Record show that Dr. Johnsen voiced no objection to preparing the two documents as requested. The question was called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Beauchamp absent. 9. SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY THE BAHA'IS Several members of the Baha'is faith presented Council with a booklet entitled The Vision of Race Unity along with a booklet about their faith. 10. PUBLIC HEARING ON PRELIMINARY 1995 BUDGET AND PROPOSED TRANSIT SERVICE MODIFICATIONS I/ This being the time set for the public hearing, Mayor Berndt explained the procedure providing opportunity for public testimony. At Council's request, staff did not present an overview of the issue. Mayor Berndt opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wanted to comment about the budget or the proposed modifications to the transit system. 3 it NOVEMBER 15, 1994 Susan Russell, representing the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), urged Council approval of their budget proposal for 1995. She described the RSVP organization and provided examples of the types of services provided to the community. Mary McClure spoke about changes to the transit system which have occurred during the last 20 years. Rose Marie Ulmer, 1106 Pleasant, a member of the RSVP, I/ described specific programs within that organization that she participates in. She urged Council to approve their budget request. William Strole, 105 North 53rd Avenue, asked Council to consider his ideas to improve bus service. He suggested discontinuing the Trolleys, eliminating the Westside Loop, and increasing service on continued routes to 30 minutes in order to increase bus ridership. He also suggested using smaller buses with less seating capacity with the premise being they would cost less to purchase, operate and maintain than larger buses. He encouraged keeping the Honored Citizen pass and was opposed to specially equipped buses that accommodate those with disabilities. Willetta Schremps, 612 South 15th Avenue, spoke in favor of the RSVP funding request particularly funding for after school activities. She also spoke in favor of the trolleys and pointed out its usefulness to visitors in the community. Margaret Hagel, 411 North 31st Avenue, spoke in favor of the RSVP program and described the knitting /crocheting projects donated by members of that organization to those in need. Richard Kernighan, 90 Orchard Drive in Naches, spoke in favor of the RSVP funding request. He described a variety of areas of RSVP participation and emphasized the importance of educating the community about recycling and buying durable products. Les Hall, 412 South 10th Street, represented the organization, Communities Organized for Yakima County. He urged Council to continue financial support for youth oriented programs. Richard Connor, 114 North 9th, urged Council to discontinue the trolleys, the Westside Loop, and raise the bus fare to fifty cents. He also supported the idea of a county wide I/ transit system. Robert Owen, 405 North 4th Street urged Council to increase the bus fare to fifty cents (twenty -five cents for disabled persons and seniors). He suggested all the routes be 4 5 NOVEMBER 15, 1994 considered for low ridership when considering whether to discontinue them or not. Ron Johnsen suggested the bus trolleys be renamed to avoid confusion with train trolleys. I/ Lorretta Charlotte, 301 1/2 South 13th Avenue, spoke in favor of the trolleys and suggested increasing bus fare to fifty cents; she complimented the transit drivers for their helpfulness. Pat Corbin, 4601 Englewood, suggested more market user research be done to determine what type of service the customer wants and then provide that service. Also, she suggested increasing service from once an hour and supported the concept of transit service to the Union Gap Mall. Wayne Parsley, 8202 West Nob Hill Blvd., who is a Transit employee, spoke in favor of keeping the trolleys because they attract tourism. Hector Franco, 614 South Naches, requested assistance relating to keeping a part of Washington Middle. School for a community center. Luz Guiterrez invited Council to a holiday open house at the Hispanic Business Center and spoke of opportunities available in the Arts for programs such as small theater groups or the development of an art center. Council Member Sims invited Ms. Guiterrez to make .a .presentation relating to the availability of grants set aside for this purpose. City Clerk Roberts read a letter from Adam W. Meadows who supports keeping the Westside Loop and adding Sunday service. He thought it would be acceptable to increase the fare to fifty cents if it meant keeping existing service or improving service. He urged service be extended to all points of the Greenway, to shopping . areas, and to movie houses .on Sundays. He spoke in favor of the trolleys because they provide a valuable service to citizens. City Clerk Roberts then read a telephone message from Marla Sonan urging Council to retain the Westside Loop bus route because its . elimination' would create a hardship to those riders that have no other means of transportation; she supports an increase in bus fare instead I/ of discontinuing the service. Mayor Berndt concluded public testimony and continued the public hearing until 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 29, 1994. 5. 6 NOVEMBER 15, 1994 4 ' 11. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Larry Mathews, 805 South 17th Avenue, spoke in opposition to the funding method authorized for the Police Station /Legal Center. The following item was considered out of sequence on the agenda. 24. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE AMENDING, THE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO TATTOO REGULATIONS Paul McMurray, Assistant City Attorney, provided a brief history of this issue which originally included a request from Jennifer Rosal to lower the age requirement for tattooing. Since the Health District has declined to become involved in regulation of this matter, two alternatives were presented to Council for consideration. One would repeal the entire Tattooing Ordinance and the other would repeal all sections except a definition section and an age requirement section. There was continued discussion concerning state regulation of this issue and the age requirement. Ordinance No. 94 -71 having been read by title, it was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO PASS THE ORDINANCE. It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO AMEND SECTION 2, SECTION 5.76.025 AGE RESTRICTIONS, TO ANY PERSON UNDER THE AGE OF SIXTEEN (16) YEARS; OR ANY PERSON UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN (18) YEARS WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF HER /HIS PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN. The motion to amend carried by a 4 -2 voice vote; Berndt and Sims voting nay. The question was called for a vote on the motion as amended. The motion carried by a 4 -2 roll call vote; Berndt and Sims voting nay; Beauchamp absent. ORDINANCE NO. 94 - 71, AN ORDINANCE relating to the licensing and regulating of tattoo business; defining tattooing; imposing certain age restrictions upon who may be tattooed; amending Section 5.76.010; adding as a new section Section 5.76.025; and repealing Sections 5.76.020, 5.76.030, 5.76.040, 5.76.050, 5.76.060, 5.76.070, 5.76.080, 5.76.090 and 5.76.100 all of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. 12. PRESENTATION OF 1995 YAKIMA VALLEY CONFERENCE OF GOVERNMENTS I/ PRELIMINARY BUDGET REPORT Glenn Valenzuela, Director of Community and Economic Development, reported a correction to the assessment amount. It is $28,179.87 instead of $28,616.40 as listed on the Agenda Statement cover sheet. 6 NOVEMBER 15, 1994 7 Lon Wyrick, Executive Director -YVCOG, presented the budget request for Council review and urged its acceptance. He provided explanation about organizational responsibilities and procedures along with changes to the STP funding direct allocation process. There was discussion among Council I/ members and Mr. Wyrick concerning the ISTEA Enhancement project process relating to Committee representation and its consideration and "prioritization of project requests. Mr Wyrick indicated he would notify Mayor Berndt when the State Committee meetings are being held. It was MOVED BY BERGER, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO ACCEPT THE REPORT. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. 13. REPORT REGARDING DOWNTOWN PARKING ANALYSIS /DECKING STUDY After discussion and comments among Council members and staff, it was the .conclusion..of.Council that this proposal was premature and needed study. It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO SEND THIS BACK TO STAFF TO COME BACK WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. The motion carried by 5 -1 voice vote; Brado voted nay; Beauchamp absent. 14. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL APPRAISAL SERVICES FOR CERTAIN AIRPORT PROPERTY There was discussion among Council members and staff about the nature of the appraisal, ow comprehensively specified it was in the RFP, and the cost `of services to be provided. Glenn Valenzuela was available to answer questions. Councilmember Brado explained the appraisal information and asked why we would accept the high bid and why we felt a $3450 appraisal was justified. Glenn Valenzuela explained that after discussing this issue with staff, they felt that after the interviews of the three firms that the individual who is asking the higher amount of dollars was going to do a more comprehensive appraisal and the fact that we were going to apply for a million dollar grant has made an immediate impression upon staff. Whether we do it for $1,000 or $3,000. They were all state certified appraisers; the Council desires to go with the low bid. It was MOVED BY I/ BRADO, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO GO WITH THE LOW BID OF $1,000. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote; Beauchamp absent. City Manager Zais reported the City and County should share the cost of appraisal since the .property is jointly owned. Mr. Valenzuela. pointed out that this item was set for annexation on December 6th. NOVEMBER 15, 1994 RESOLUTION NO. R -94 -146, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager of the City of Yakima to obtain professional real estate appraisal services relating to potential purchase and sale •transactions for property at the Yakima Air Terminal. *15. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS SETTING DATE OF HEARING FOR DECEMBER 8, 1994 BEFORE THE HEARING EXAMINER FOR RIGHT -OF -WAY VACATIONS FOR: A. GARRETT STREET, VICINITY OF NORTH 6TH AVENUE, REQUESTED BY DAN TILLEY RESOLUTION NO. R -94 -147, A RESOLUTION fixing time for public hearing before the Hearing Examiner on December 8, 1994, on a petition to vacate a portion of the undeveloped right -of -way for Garrett Street and adjacent alleyways west of North 6th Avenue. B. NORTH 8TH AVENUE FROM "J" STREET TO WASHINGTON CENTRAL RAILROAD PROPERTY ABUTTING MADISON AVENUE, REQUESTED BY WILLIAM ASH RESOLUTION NO. R -94 -148, A RESOLUTION fixing time for public hearing before the Hearing Examiner on December 8, 1994, on a petition to vacate a portion of the undeveloped right -of -way for North 8th Avenue between "J" Street and Madison. *16. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH PHIL LAMB FOR HEARING EXAMINER SERVICES RESOLUTION NO. R -94 -149, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute a Professional Services Contract Between the City of Yakima and Philip A. Lamb as the Yakima Urban Area Hearing Examiner. *17. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF SEWER MAIN REIMBURSABLE AGREEMENT WITH SHARON G. AND /OR CHARLES E. VETSCH RESOLUTION NO. R -94 -150, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute a Sewer Utility System Reimbursement Agreement and Conveyance between the City of Yakima and Sharon G. and /or Charles E. Vetsch, Sr. I/ *18. SET DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR DECEMBER 6, 1994 ON THE WEST AIRPORT ANNEXATION December 6, 1994 was set as the date of public hearing on the West Airport Annexation. 8 9 NOVEMBER 15, 1994 *19. CONSIDERATION OF REPORT AND RESOLUTION APPROVING THIRD QUARTER 1994 INSURANCE CLAIMS RESOLUTION NO. R - 94 - 151, A RESOLUTION accepting and approving the Quarterly Insurance Claims Report. *20. APPROVAL OF RIGHT -OF -WAY USE PERMIT FOR SIGN PLACEMENT AT ST. ELIZABETH MEDICAL CENTER The Right -of -Way Use Permit for the placement of directional' display signs at St. Elizabeth Medical Center was approved. *21. APPROVAL OF FINAL CONTRACT PAYMENTS FOR (STANDARD MOTION V -B -- ACCEPT PROJECT AND APPROVE FINAL PAYMENT) : A. RAILROAD PROJECT = ZONE 1,WEST The report from the City Engineer, dated November 2, 1994, with respect to the completion of the work on the Railroad Water Project — Zone 1 West project, performed by Central .Concrete & Utilities /DeBlasio Construction, a joint venture, was approved, the work accepted and payment of the final estimates as therein set forth was authorized. B. RAILROAD PROJECT,- ZONE 2 WEST The report from the City Engineer, dated November 2, 1994, with respect to the completion of the work on the Railroad Water Project - Zone 2 West project, performed by Central Concrete & Utilities /D a joint venture, was approved, the work accepted and payment of the final estimates as therein set forth was authorized. *22. APPROVAL OF THIRD QUARTER 1994 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS REPORT • . The Third Quarter 1994' Capital Improvements Projects Status Report was approved. *23. APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 1994 REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT The October 1994 Revenue and Expenditure (Budget) Report was approved. I/ 25. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1994 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR TRANSIT OPERATING EXPENSES Council Member Barnett explained he asked that this item be removed from the Consent Agenda so he could move to increase the amount to $20,000 to keep the extended holiday service this year on the basis that this is rather late in the holiday season and the merchants may have been counting on it. There was continued discussion among Council members and . staff as to why the proposal was introduced. 9 1.0 NOVEMBER 15, 1994 Ordinance No. 94 -72 amending the 1994 Budget and appro- priating funds for Transit Extra -board salaries, wages and Dial -A -Ride increases, having been read by title only at the previous meeting, was brought before the Council for a second reading.It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO PASS THE ORDINANCE. The motion carried by 5 -1 roll call vote; Brado voting nay. ORDINANCE NO. 94 - 72, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1994 budget for the City of Yakima; and making an appropriation of $205,000 in the Transit Operating Fund for expenditure during 1994 for Extra -board salaries, wages and Dial -A -Ride increases. *26. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE APPROVING THE REZONE OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 906 NORTH 20TH AVENUE, REQUESTED BY.LENA COUCH ORDINANCE NO. 94 - 73, AN ORDINANCE rezoning property located at 906 N. 20th Avenue in Yakima, Washington from Single Family Residential (R -1) to Central Business District Support (CBDS) and amending the zoning map of the Yakima Urban Area accordingly. *27. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1994 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE GAILLEON PARK CANAL COVER PROJECT An Ordinance amending the 1994 Budget and appropriating funds for the Gailleon Park canal cover project, having been read by title only at the previous meeting, was brought before the Council for a second reading. ORDINANCE NO. 94 - 74, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1994 budget for the City of Yakima; and making an appropriation of $5,600 in the Parks Capital Fund for expenditure during 1994 for a Gailleon Park canal cover. 28. OTHER BUSINESS Mayor Berndt requested staff to research the legality and feasibility of developing a parking lot in the downtown area for people who carpool, using CTR funds. Council Member Barnett requested YVCOG provide a short response on what has actually been accomplished under the CTR I/ program. Information Items: Items of information provided to Council were: Monthly Project Progress Report on the Yakima Railroad Area for October 1994; Police Department Narcotics Enforcement Third Quarter 1994 Report; Rebound Plus Monthly Report for 10 11 NOVEMBER 15, 1994 October 1994; Personnel Vacancy and Hiring Reports for October 1994; Minutes of the'July 21, August 4 & 18, September 1 & 15, and October 6 & 20, 1994 Bicycle /Pedestrian Advisory Committee meetings; Article from CTR Overview, "Yakima Residents 'Find Another Way' "; Articles from Nation's Cities Weekly, "Cities Keep Heat on I/ Mandates" (October 31, 1994); "Pass the Bucks, not the Buck" (October 24, 1994), "Congress Ducked the Mandates Issue, Facing it is up to Us (October 17, 1994); and Assignments Pending in Office of Environmental Planning as of November 15, 1994. 29. ADJOURNMENT TO NOVEMBER 22, 1994 AT 9:00 A.M. FOR BUDGET REVIEW IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL An Executive Session regarding collective bargaining was requested.. It was MOVED ..BY..BUCHANAN,, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSIONS FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING COLLECTIVE BARGAINING, WITH ADJOURNMENT THEREAFTER TO NOVEMBER 22, 1994, AT 9:00 AM, FOR BUDGET REVIEW IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Beauchamp absent. Following the conclusion of the Executive Session, the meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY : gu'?��;v , tili'` COUNCIL, MEMBER , DATE COUNCIL Mr I:ER DATE ATTEST: a,u.,, /go- CITY CLERK MAYOR Minutes prepared by Deputy City Clerk Skovald. An audio and video tape of this meeting are available in the City Clerk's Office 11