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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/02/1992 Study Session / Business Meeting • 31 1 CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON JUNE 2, 1992 STUDY SESSION /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 Pat Berndt, presiding, Councilmembers Clarence Barnett (absent after 5:00 P.M.), Henry Beauchamp (absent after 4:45 P.M.), Bill Skip Semon and Bernard Sims present on roll call. Councilmember Lynn Buchanan absent and excused. City Manager Zais, City Attorney Vanek, City Clerk Roberts and Clerk Harris also present. 2. INVOCATION /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Semon. 3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER Mayor Berndt welcomed County Commissioners Deccio, Klarich and Ingham, who were present for the presentation by Larry Petry. Val Finlayson, Chairman of the Visioning 2010 Committee, and Committee member Dick Anderwald presented the City with a plaque containing the visioning document and the signatures of all the upper valley city and county leaders adopting the document. A plaque will be presented to each upper valley city. Mr. Anderwald reported that the visioning report is being put into immediate use. Mayor Berndt thanked Mr. Finlayson and announced that he will be moving out of Washington on June 12th. Mr. Finlayson has accepted a position as Executive Director of Utah Partnership. Commissioner Deccio thanked Mr. Finlayson for his participation on the Visioning Committee in Yakima County. Dave Flaherty, Parks and Recreation Manager, presented the City an award given by the Governor for volunteer service by the Yakima Gang Prevention /Intervention Coalition Program. Mr. Flaherty believes the Coalition has made a positive impact in the community in the past year. Councilmember Beauchamp thanked everyone for their help and said he felt lives have actually been saved. Mayor Berndt thanked Captain Don Blesio and Mr. Flaherty for their work. Mr. Flaherty reviewed the summer programs, the Adopt -A -Park Program and asked for volunteers for this program. 4. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Berndt referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning whether there were any additions or deletions from either Councilmembers or citizens present. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances by title. It was the consensus of the Council to remove Items Nos 9 and 16. It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY SEMON, THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA, AS AMENDED, 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.) 312 JUNE 2, 1992 *5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 28 AND MAY 5, 1992 BUSINESS MEETINGS The Council minutes of the April 28 and May 5, 1992 Business meetings were approved, having been duly certified accurate by two Councilmembers and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly. 6. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION None. 7. PRESENTATION BY LARRY PETRY, YAKIMA SCHOOL DISTRICT, ON HISPANIC DEMOGRAPHICS Superintendent of Yakima School District, Larry Petry, spoke regarding the demographics of the District. Mr. Petry related the overcrowding and problems in the schools. He believes these are issues which must be solved by community involvement and action. There are 13,000 students in the Yakima School District. He addressed economy, jobs, quality of life, and courage to act. Yakima has the lowest median household income in the County. Governmental agencies and hospitals, which are tax -users rather than tax payers are the largest employers in the area. Mr. Petry agrees with the County that the census count was at least 7,000 citizens less than usual. Yakima has an urgent need for decent and affordable housing. De -facto spot zoning was discussed. Tax levy differences between the Seattle area and Yakima was discussed, showing a need for more industry. Between 1984 and 1991 the Yakima School District has grown an average of 150 -250 students a year. One option he suggested was the possibility of year around schools. A proposed school day of 7:30 A.M. to 7:30 P.M. with students going to separate sessions is a possibility. In- migration shows a growth of over 800 students in the K -12 grades for the 1991 -92 school year. The enrollment bulges in other school districts were discussed, with a two percent growth per year. Currently thirty -six percent of the students come from single parent homes and have special needs. Nearly eighty percent of gang members come from single parent homes, most without a male figure in the home. He thanked the City Police Department, Parks and Recreation, YMCA and YWCA for the help they have been. Gang related crimes were cut by 2/3 in one year in the area where programs were initiated. The impact of migrant children on the reality of testing and teaching the children was discussed; the constant moving takes a toll. Minority children make up forty -four percent of the elementary school population, in some schools it is higher. Integration is an issue being worked on, with racially isolated schools being a reality at the time. Yakima School District is establishing quality programs to attract students to the schools with problems. Last year Adams School was eighty -five percent minority, but is becoming more balanced now because of the excellent Montessori programs being offered. Mr. Petry's 6 year old son rides 45 minutes on a bus to attend Adams. Twelve percent of the children do not speak English; the school has a program which teaches English if they can remain in the school for 2 years. Forty - eight percent of the children are on free or reduced lunches, which means they are at the Federal poverty level. The Federal poverty level is $16,000 annual income for family of four. Drug and alcohol use has been reduced with help of the excellent City Police Department, but there is still a serious problem. Alcohol is a little below the national level at eighty -eight percent. Marijuana use is at the national average, however the use of cocaine is fifty percent above the 2 313: June 2, 1992 •. _. • national average. This is true in all the area schools, including the West Valley schools. Dropout rate is only seven percent; Hispanic dropouts have been lowered, due to an updated credit program and a migrant night school. Yakima School District has the largest, per capita, alternative program in the State. Almost 800 students attend an alternative program; several of these students have been outstanding graduates. Bob Alexander, Administrative Assistant, asked Mr. Petry to mention the Task Force being formed to get community involvement from parents, students, businesses, and interested citizens to look at this information and help with a design on dealing with the growth and demographics within the next 20 years. He asked for any interested persons to call Mr. Alexander at the Yakima School Superintendent's office. Mr. Petry left material for the Council and public to review. Mayor Berndt commented that the Steering Committee might wish to discuss this issue as it relates to housing. Mayor Berndt called for a recess at 3:02 P.M. for the equipment to be removed from the chambers. The meeting reconvened at 3:08 P.M. Mayor Berndt received a request to consider Item No. 12 at this time. There being no objection, it was considered out of order. 12. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING LEGAL PROCEEDINGS FOR THE CONDEMNATION AND ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY IN VICINITY OF TIETON DRIVE AND 32ND AVENUE (LE FORS PROPERTY - CONTINUED FROM APRIL 26, 1992) By request this Item was considered out of order after Item No. 7. Director of Engineering and Utilities Covell explained the Tieton Drive and 32nd Avenue project. This project was started in 1986, to widen the lanes in the intersection and replace the antique signals. This project received funding in 1989 with a Public Works Trust Fund Loan. Mr. Covell asked the Council to authorize eminent domain and condemnation proceedings so project can proceed on schedule. He stated the possibility o €' "losing if this project does not proceed. Mr. Covell remarked he has been contacted by several citizens concerned about 32nd Avenue being reconstructed. He assured them this project is for the intersection only and that 32nd Avenue is not on the Six Year Transportation Improvement Plan. It will be at least ten years before any improvements will be made on the length of 32nd Avenue. Councilmember Barnett asked if the appraisal on the Lefors property has been obtained. Mr. Covell replied Mrs. Lefors informed him she has not been able to retain the appraiser she wants. He also asked about the time limit, which Mr. Covell explained requires 30 days. In answer to Councilmember Brado's question, Mr. Covell explained the street would come up to the north edge of the north driveway. Mr. Covell explained the retaining wall and the sidewalk proposed for the safety of school children. Denny Granstrand, 901 S. 32nd Avenue, spoke to the issue of the intersection and his opinion was to widen the lanes on Tieton to 12 feet, provide better sidewalks, maintain the curbs, and improve the traffic lights. He feels widening the lanes on 32nd Avenue will cause additional problems with traffic flow. He is concerned for the safety of school children using the area. Councilmember Barnett agreed that 32nd Avenue should not be widened and made any busier than it already is. Judy Lefors, 602 S. 32nd Avenue, is the owner of two lots in the proposed condemnation area. Mrs. Lefors remarked that the appraisal on her property cost $3,600 and was advised by her attorney that she should 3 314 June 2, 1992 not give this information to the City. Her concern is for her property being devalued and the home business of Dr. Lefors being adversely affected. Councilmember Brado concurs with the Lefors' that the City's offer for the property is unfair. Carol Matherson, 1114 S. 32nd Avenue, expressed her concern for the safety of the Nob Hill School children. She does not want to see improvements on 32nd Avenue which would increase traffic. Mayor Berndt explained the process of financial assistance for street improvements. Ms. Matherson also requested additional public notice for these types of proposals, in the future. Dr. Laurie Brion, 1009 S. 31st Avenue, expressed her opinion that this is not an intersection that requires a free right turn lane. She inquired about the accident history at this intersection. Paul Martin, 1018 S. 32nd Avenue, stated this intersection shouldn't be improved just because the City has the money to do it. He stated the money is needed for the street between Nob Hill Blvd. and Tieton Drive; we don't need another busy major arterial. Bill Hambelton, 615 S. 32nd Avenue, expressed his concern over right -of- ways and trees being lost for streets to be widened. He does not see a need for 32nd Avenue to be improved. He was told by staff that there is no immediate plans to widen 32nd Avenue. Lynn Krogman, 1017 S. 32nd Avenue, also expressed concern for any improvements on 32nd Avenue and asked for more notice when the projects are being considered. - Dave Palmer, 907 S. 32nd Avenue, recalled 32nd Avenue being a gravel road in the past. He is not against improvements in City streets. However, he feels there should be less impact on established neighborhoods. Wayne Pettyjohn, 206 S. 32nd Avenue, discussed the possibility of the money being funded for that area to be returned to the State to be used in other areas. He was told if the money was not used, it would be lost to the Yakima area. Following further discussion, it was MOVED BY SEMON, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO DIRECT ENGINEERING TO MODIFY THE PROJECT DESIGN TO KEEP THE CURRENT TURNING RADIUS AT 32ND AVENUE AND TIETON DRIVE. The motion carried by 4 -2 roll call vote, Barnett and Brado voting nay; Buchanan absent. Ordinance No. 3457 having been read by title, it was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY SEMON, THAT THE ORDINANCE BE PASSED. The motion carried by 4 -2 roll call vote, Barnett and Brado voting nay; Buchanan absent. Mrs. Lefors asked for Mr. Covell to process the necessary information to her as soon as possible. ORDINANCE NO. 3457, AN ORDINANCE authorizing and directing the law firm of Lyon, Beaulaurier, Weigand, Suko & Gustafson to institute and prosecute legal proceedings for the condemnation and acquisition of real property for the Tieton Drive and 32nd Avenue Intersection Improvement Project; providing for the condemnation and taking of such real property and declaring the condemnation and taking thereof to be necessary for a public use required by the public interests; directing that compensation for such taking be paid from fund number 342 - Public Works Trust Fund of the City of Yakima. 4 315. June 2, 1992. 8. STATUS REPORT ON METRO PLAN /GMA MAPPING PROJECT The staff displayed computer generated maps on all of the walls in the Council Chambers, conference room, hallway, and the lobby. The maps were colorful and informative. Community and Economic Development Director Rice reviewed the Visioning 2010 and the Growth Management Act, as related to mapping, and introduced Rick Pettyjohn, Information Systems Manager. Mr. Pettyjohn thanked the Council for the opportunity to present the new technology and advanced mapping system which is now available. He introduced and thanked Tom Sellsted, Joan Davenport, John Elsden, and Corrine choy for their help in making this mapping project successful. A few of the maps on display were discussed. 9. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION DISSOLVING IRRIGATION DISTRICT NO. 757 Ty Wick, Water and Irrigation Supervisor, reviewed the resolution with the Council and was available for questions. John Klingele, 1312 W. Walnut, expressed his concern that this water would not be available for use by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for the gateway entrance beautification project. He was also concerned about river pollution from the drains in the City. Resolution No. D -6125 having been read by title, it was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY SEMON, TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote; Buchanan absent. RESOLUTION NO. D- 6125,- A RESOLUTION of the City Council of Yakima, Washington, dissolving Irrigation District No. 757 and providing for the disposition of all assets of the irrigation district. *10. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION`AUTHbRIZING EXECUTION OF PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH TINIA HANSEN FOR DEFENSIVE DRIVING CLASSES RESOLUTION NO. D -6126, A RESOLUTION authorizing the execution of an agreement for personal consulting services for a defensive driving course instructor. *11. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF CERTIFICATE OF SATISFACTION OF LIEN FOR PROPERTY AT 2602 WILLOW STREET RESOLUTION NO. D -6127, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to execute a Certificate of Satisfaction of Lien relating to property located at 2602 Willow Street, Yakima, Washington. 13. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING LEGAL PROCEEDINGS FOR THE CONDEMNATION AND ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY FOR THE DOWNTOWN TRANSIT TRANSFER FACILITY (BOYD OLOFSON & CO.) Ordinance No. 3458 having been read by title, it was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY SEMON, THAT THE ORDINANCE BE PASSED. The motion carried by 4 -2 roll call vote; Barnett and Brado voting nay; Buchanan absent. Mr. Brado stated he voted nay because he believes the cost is prohibitive and affordable housing and available parking will be taken. ORDINANCE NO. 3458, AN ORDINANCE authorizing and directing the law firm of Lyon, Beaulaurier, Weigand, Suko & Gustafson to institute. and 5 316 June 2, 1992 prosecute legal proceedings for the condemnation and acquisition of real property for the Downtown Transit Transfer Facility to be located between East Chestnut Avenue and East Walnut Street and between South 4th Street and South Naches Avenue and for public facilities related thereto; providing for the condemnation and taking of such real property and declaring the condemnation and taking thereof to be necessary for a public use required by the public interests; directing that compensation for such taking be paid from fund number 364 - Transit Capital Reserve Fund of the City of Yakima. *14. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1992 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR CONFINED SPACE ENTRY SYSTEMS FOR SEWER COLLECTION AND PLANT PERSONNEL An Ordinance amending the 1992 budget and appropriating funds for confined space entry systems for Sewer Collection and Plant personnel, having been read by title only at the previous meeting, was brought before the Council for a second reading. ORDINANCE NO. 3459, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1992 budget for the City of Yakima; and making an appropriation of $11,508 in the Sewer Operating Fund for expenditure during 1992 for purchase of Confined Space Entry Systems. *15. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1992 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS TO PAY CITY'S SHARE OF COSTS FOR THE COUNTY LAW AND JUSTICE FACILITY An Ordinance amending the 1992 budget and appropriating funds to pay the City's share of costs for the County Law and Justice Facility, having been read by title only at the previous meeting, was brought before the Council for a second reading. ORDINANCE NO. 3460, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1992 budget for the City of Yakima; and making an appropriation of $250,000 in the General Fund for expenditure during 1992 for the City's share of construction of the Yakima County Minimum Security Jail Facility. 16. FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1992 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE KISSEL PARK WELL PROJECT (NO FORMAL ACTION ACQUIRED THIS MEETING) Councilmember Barnett questioned the possibility of liability for the design being inappropriate. Mr. Wick assured him there would not be a liability. Councilmember Brado questioned the possibility of this project going out for bids to private industry. An Ordinance amending the 1992 budget and appropriating funds for replacement of the Ranney well at Kissel Park, having been read by title only, was laid on the table for one week, until June 9, 1992. 17. OTHER BUSINESS Councilmember Barnett questioned the legality of discussing an issue scheduled for Executive Session when he didn't find anything in the document provided that was confidential. Following advice from City Attorney Vanek, it was the general consensus of Council that the issue 6 • • • 317 • June 2, 1992 • involved not only policy, but litigation strategy. The issue was considered in Executive Session. • In, support of Yakima Valley Community College, it was the general consensus of the Council for City Manager Zais to write a letter to the State in support of equal enrollment in community colleges throughout the State. (Councilmember Barnett absent after 5:00 P.M.) Information Items: Items of information supplied to Council were: Monthly Annexation Status Report for May 1992; Monthly Rebound Plus Report. for May 1992; Press Release regarding Household Hazardous Waste Turn -in Days; Notice of Northeast Yakima Neighborhood Association's General meeting on May 28th; Minutes of the May 9, 1992 Eastern Washington Cities Coalition meeting and agenda for its June 18th meeting;_notice of Planning and Zoning Institute training; Ki -Yak's Kaleidoscope newsletter. May 1992; Article from 5/22/92 Post Intellinctencer, "Proposed Higher Bus Fares are Unfair, Protesters Say "; Agenda for May 27, 1992 Yakima Housing Authority Board meeting and minutes of its March 25, 1992 meeting; and Article from May 18, 1992 Business Week, "Cover Story - The Economic Crisis of Urban America" and "Editorials -The America We Can No Longer Ignore." 18. EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING PENDING AND PROSPECTIVE LITIGATION It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY SEMON, TO ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING PENDING AND PROSPECTIVE LITIGATION, WITH IMMEDIATE ADJOURNMENT THEREAFTER TO JUNE 9, 1992, AT 7:00 A.M., AT THE YAKIMA CENTER. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Barnett and Buchanan absent. 19. ADJOURNMENT TO JUNE 9, 1992 AT 7:00 A.M. AT THE YAKIMA CENTER FOR INFORMAL DISCUSSION Following the completion of the Executive Session, the meeting was adjourned at the hour of 5:45 P.M. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: o Zl�� COUNCILMEMBER DATE All C' NCILME B`` DATE ATTEST: / ¢� C4L- CITY CLERK MAYOR Minutes prepared by Clerk Harris 7 •