HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/07/1992 Study Session / Business Meeting . 347
CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
JULY 7, 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, Council Members Clarence Barnett,
Henry Beauchamp, Bill Brado, Lynn Buchanan, Skip Semon and
Bernard Sims present on roll call. City Manager Zais, City
Attorney Vanek, City Clerk Roberts and Deputy City Clerk
Skovald also present.
2. INVOCATION /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Barnett.
Melynn Skovald was introduced as the new Deputy City Clerk.
Mayor Berndt welcomed the Yakima County Commissioners
to today's session.
3. PRESENTATION BY JUDGE STEVE BROWN ON THE JUVENILE JUSTICE
BOND ISSUE
Judge Brown described the inadequate facilities and presented
facts why a new juvenile justice center is needed. He asked
for the Council's support since the issue will be placed in
front of the voters in September.
4. PRESENTATION BY CH2M HILL REGARDING YAKIMA GATEWAY PROJECT
The Yakima County Commissioners, Bill Huibregtse, and Gary
Lukehart, were present for this presentation on the status of
the I -82 /Yakima Avenue /Fair Avenue project.
Dennis Covell, Director of Engineering and Utilities,
introduced Collie Martin, CH2M Hill. Mr. Martin gave a
briefing as to how the project has been scaled back to fit
existing financial means.
He reported that the choice has been narrowed going into the
next phase to two alternatives, and there is a strong
indication that Alternative 2 is the preferred one.
Mr. Martin stated that during the most recent Steering
Committee meeting on July 1, limited funds were discussed and
they came to a consensus as to how the project should proceed
in the event those funds could not be increased.
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Focusing on that recent meeting and referring to two items,
a drawing of the preferred Alternative 2, and the minutes
from the Steering Committee meeting, Mr. Martin explained the
breakdown of the funding, stating that each of the remaining
two alternatives have a total project cost estimate of
approximately $24 million. The total currently available
funds are $13.4 million. The options that were considered
were: (1) To consider additional funding; (2) To consider
construction phasing, where certain parts of the project
would be constructed and the other parts planned for but no
construction until the funds become available; and (3) To
reduce the level of service. He emphasized the fact that
additional funding was unlikely, and they are proceeding on
that assumption. In order to meet most of the objectives and
goals, the basic project cost is estimated at a minimum
$10.41 million. The basic project consists of widening
Yakima Avenue to five lanes, two lanes each direction and one
turning lane. It would retain the existing flyover structure
because the pillars on that structure are not wide enough to
accommodate five lanes. There would be extra width for
bicycles, and there would be sidewalks on both sides of
Yakima Avenue. There would be a Lincoln / "B" St. extension,
and there would be an improved and extended Fair Avenue. In
the basic project, Fair Avenue would be three lanes, one each
direction with a center turning lane. There would be a Ramp
J connection with Yakima Avenue with the extended Fair
Avenue.
According to Mr. Martin, there were additional options
considered in order to come up to the level of funding
available. The first option agreed upon by the committee was
to drop Ramp D because it dealt with local arterial traffic
and didn't do anything with the interchange. Mr. Martin
stated that the second item agreed upon was to replace the
flyover structure because of the bottleneck that would be
caused. The third item agreed upon by the committee was to
widen Fair Avenue to five lanes rather than just the three
lanes that would be part of the basic project. The fourth
item agreed upon was Ramp B. The cumulative cost to this
point $13.6 million. The level of funding is $14.2 million.
The next item was Ramp I, which extends from the Fair Avenue
to southbound. Ramp K was next, which is the Split Flyover,
and instead of coming down on E. Yakima Avenue, the motorist
would have an option to drop over to the couplet. The last
option was Ramp A, which is the other part of the North Ramp
pair. Part of that is a secondary bike - pedestrian crossing.
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Mr. Martin stated that was the order the Steering Committee
indicated that as funds became available they would
recommend.
Council Member Barnett inquired as to how much property would
have to be condemned, and if there is any, are the costs
included in the schematic presented. Dennis Covell explained
that it is not known yet because it is all paper calculation.
He estimated that 25 residential units and 1 or 2 businesses
would be involved. To answer the question about costs,
Mr. Covell stated it included everything: right -of -way,
design, construction, aesthetics, headways, etc.
Council Member Brado questioned how can we base the price
when we don't know what the cost of the residences are.
According to Mr. Covell, a person working with CH2M Hill (who
used to be a right -of -way person) made a preliminary field
review appraisal. The cost analysis estimates total project
right -of -way acquisition (if it was built today) at about $4
million. Included in this rough estimate is relocation
assistance, condemnation (if it became necessary), total
acquisition of some parcels, damages, etc.
Mayor Berndt verified,that most of the condemnation was in
regard to the Fair Averiuelaortioh.. Dennis Covell reiterated
and mentioned Ramp H, Ramp I, and Ramp J were included as
well. Most of the acquisition in this area is a $600,000
dedication of public right -of -way by Gary Lukehart. The
impact area is on the south side of Yakima Avenue.
Commissioner Deccio asked how much will be spent on the
bicycle combination. Collie Martin explained that the amount
is about $600,000 for a separate structure. Bicycles will be
accommodated by the extra lane width and the provision for
sidewalks on Yakima Avenue.
Mr. Martin commented that the next step will be Phase 2,
which will be an environmental assessment to contain a
broader, more detailed study of both the housing issue and
the bicycle pedestrian issue. This assessment will provide
an access report, rights -of -way information, and the design
report. Mr. Martin further explained that after each stage
is completed the costs will become more accurate. Mr. Martin
further stated that after the contract to proceed with Phase
2 is authorized next week, construction would begin the last
quarter of 1993 lasting approximately two years depending on
what alternatives are selected.
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JULY 7, 1992
Council Member Brado requested information on what is going
to be done with the basic $10.4 million, listing the
priorities (1 through 8), along with stating what year the
construction of each is expected.
Mayor Berndt requested a written reminder of where the monies
are coming from and who is doing what. Dennis Covell replied
that a total of $13.4 million for the project, approximately
$600,000 in dedicated public right -of -way from Gary Lukehart,
about $200,000+ comes from Transit funds, about $1.6 comes
from a combination of federally urban system monies, half-
cent gas tax and a $1.2 million bond issue. The County
contributed approximately $600,000. The Washington State
Department of Transportation contributed approximately $.9
million. The Transportation Improvement Board contributed
approximately $9.4 million (which is a grant). Mayor Berndt
asked if the $1.6 federal /bond money is basically being put
up by the City's tax revenues that have been collected.
Dennis Covell stated it included $200,000 in Transit money,
the $1.2 bond issue, half -cent, and FAUS funds.
Council Member Beauchamp asked Mr. Covell how much of Fair
Avenue is included in the improvement. His response was the
Fair Avenue improvement will go all the way back to Pacific
with some modifications of Fair Avenue between Pacific and
the interchange at Nob Hill Blvd., but primarily construction
is from Pacific all the way to the connection with
Lincoln / "B" couplet. It is proposed to be a five -lane
facility through the interchange until you come to the split.
It will include curbs, gutters, and sidewalks. Mayor Berndt
wanted to know if this portion is in the city or county.
Mr. Covell replied that the vast majority is in the city.
The City and County would come to an understanding where
there would be one lead agency to handle the condemnation
process.
Mayor Berndt asked Gary Lukehart whether this design meets
the needs of his project. He indicated that it did, but he
was concerned a bit about the attempt to take the B -slip ramp
and veer around his building. Since the property has become
more commercial type property than manufacturing,
Mr. Lukehart realized three or four years ago that expansion
of the Trail Wagon operation was no longer feasible, and he
will eventually have to move to a new location. He stated
that they still have a need to access that property which is
why it was never developed as a commercial site. The B slip
ramp that goes near his factory would be an important element
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if it was demanded by his developer, although that is not the
case at this time, but the issue may have to be addressed
later on. He said that he thought the base plan was a good
one and that it would work the way it is set up to work.
Commissioner Deccio inquired as to the next step in the
process of adopting this plan and if the public hearing
process was exhausted or would more public hearings be
required. Mr. Covell explained as soon as the second phase is
completed and a conclusion is drawn on what the ultimate
design is, all the appropriate documentation will be
presented to the Council so that a decision can be made.
There will be several required public hearings, and the
Council will be briefed, possibly three or four times, during
that time span. Mr. Covell emphasized that this project will
be made as open to the public as possible for input.
5. REVIEW OF DRAFT SEWER PRETREATMENT ORDINANCE /SET DATE OF
PUBLIC HEARING FOR JULY 28, 1992 (CONTINUED FROM 4/7/92)
Chris Waarvick, Wastewater Superintendent, briefly outlined
the draft pretreatment ordinance. He introduced Konrad
Liegel, Outside Counsel; Pete Hobbs, Pretreatment Specialist;
Bruce Bates, AssistantsWaStewater Specialist; Tai Yum, Hops
Extract; Todd Smith, Crystal Linen; and from Del Monte: Jim
Jacobs, Mike Maulhardt, and Jim Bryant.
Konrad Liegel outlined the federal and state permit
requirements including pretreatment program procedures that
the City must follow along with reporting requirements. He
briefly summarized the legal consequences of the City if it
fails to undertake and implement its pretreatment program.
Mr. Liegel explained that the EPA and Ecology have broad
enforcement authority to make municipalities, as well as
industrial dischargers, comply with the NPDES permit
provisions, including pretreatment provisions, and violations
are punishable by civil and criminal penalties. Mr. Liegel
went on to mention the fact that violations are not excused
because of insignificant or technical requirements or because
they are difficult or impossible to meet.
After further discussion and instructions for hearing
notification, It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO
CONTINUE TO JULY 14, 1992, FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION. The
motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
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Following a five - minute recess, Mayor Berndt requested discussion
of the business items prior to the remaining study session items.
It was the consensus of the Council to consider these items out of
sequence of the agenda.
8. 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.
It was the consensus of the Council to remove Item No. 10.
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 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.)
9. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
None.
10. APPROVAL OF PARKS AND RECREATION DIVISION 1991 ANNUAL REPORT
Dave Flaherty, Parks and Recreation Manager, reflected on
accomplishments during the past year. He highlighted the
result of the cooperation of the community groups in Yakima
representing a substantial $160,000 of in -kind contributions,
direct donations to Parks and Recreation, or shared
contributions over the last couple of years.
Mr. Flaherty spoke of what is happening with the parks and
recreation programs in the community in terms of increasing
numbers of people participating in these programs. The
number of comments received from participants during the
whole year was tremendous. He said that Yakima has a great
Parks and Recreation staff and he was looking forward to 1992
and beyond, even though they have some challenges coming up.
Mayor Berndt commented about the positive reaction from the
people in the community, from service clubs to The United
Way. One of the reasons why the programs have been so
successful is because of the cooperative, can -do attitude
shown by Dave Flaherty and his staff. Mayor Berndt expressed
appreciation on behalf of the various organizations and what
this means to those programs. Mayor Berndt went on to say
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JULY . 7, 1992„,,,.
the Gang Prevention Program and Chesterley Park are happening
because of Dave Flaherty's leadership.
The 1991 Parks and Recreation Division Annual Report was
approved.
11. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1992 BUDGET AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR CONTINUATION OF TROLLEY SERVICE
An Ordinance amending the 1992 budget and appropriating funds
for the continuation of the trolley service, having been read
by title only at the May 26, 1992 meeting, was brought before
the Council for a second reading.
Ordinance 3469, having been read by title, IT WAS MOVED BY
SIMS, SECONDED BY SEMON, THAT THE ORDINANCE BE PASSED.
Council Member Barnett stated that only 21.8 percent of the
respondents in the City survey favored continuation of the
trolleys, and he felt that if the money that would be going
into the trolleys was added onto the annexation, we could
keep an enhanced fixed route system. Mayor Berndt stated
that since the majority of the Council voted to approve the
Trolleys, it would be irresponsible for her not to support
the money to go with ,the majority vote. • The motion was
carried by a 5 -2 roll ca11 } vote; Brado and Barnett voting
nay.
ORDINANCE NO. 3469, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1992 budget for
the City of Yakima; and making an appropriation of $195,141
in the 462 - Transit Operating Fund for expenditure during 1992
for an additional six months of operation of the free
downtown trolleys.
*12. CONSIDERATION OF LEGISLATION RELATING TO RETIREMENT
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
A. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF CONTRACT WITH YAKIMA
COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR A RETIREMENT
ASSISTANCE PROJECT
RESOLUTION NO. D -6147, A RESOLUTION authorizing an agreement
between the City of Yakima and Yakima County Department of
Community Services for a Retirement Assistance Project.
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B. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1992 BUDGET AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR A SENIOR RETIREMENT TRANSITION
PROGRAM (NO FORMAL ACTION REQUIRED THIS MEETING)
An Ordinance amending the 1992 budget and appropriating funds
for a Senior Retirement Transition Program, having been read
by title only, was laid on the table for one week, until
July 14, 1992.
*13. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1992 BUDGET AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR AFTER SCHOOL RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS
FOR AT -RISK YOUTH SPONSORED BY YAKIMA COUNTY SUBSTANCE ABUSE
COALITION (NO FORMAL ACTION REQUIRED THIS MEETING)
An Ordinance amending the 1992 budget and appropriating funds
for an after school recreational program for at -risk youth,
having been read by title only, was laid on the table for one
week, until July 14, 1992.
*14. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1992 BUDGET AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR SUMMER PLAYGROUND PROGRAMS (NO
FORMAL ACTION REQUIRED THIS MEETING)
An Ordinance amending the 1992 budget and appropriating funds
for the Pennies for Playgrounds program, having been read by
title only, was laid on the table for one week, until
July 14, 1992.
Mayor Berndt referred to Agenda Item No. 6 directing discussion at
this time.
6. REPORT FROM PUBLIC WORKS REGARDING SYSTEM -WIDE TRANSIT ROUTE
ANALYSIS
Bill Schultz, Transit Manager, reported the June ridership on
the trolleys. The monthly ridership for June increased to
26,497 boardings, which brings the cumulative total to date
to 270,354 boardings. They seem to be getting busier than
ever.
The system -wide analysis was developed with special attention
to how service is provided to annexed areas, both those
having been currently annexed and not being served, as well
as those annexed in the future.
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JULY 7, 1992,.. >.F
Phase One would require immediate implementation with
subsequent phases implemented on an as- needed -basis as those
areas are annexed.
Mr. Schultz reviewed the route impacts that contained
necessary changes in order to accommodate stretching the
routes, and he showed on the map how those specific route
modifications /additions fit into the existing system. Mr.
Schultz cleared up the confusion over the half -hour routes,
and hourly service. A half -hour route is when it takes a bus
approximately a half -hour to run that route. Most of the
routes are one -hour routes, which means to run it one time,
it takes approximately one hour. This is not necessarily the
same as hourly or half - hourly service, that has to do with
frequency, how often service is provided on a route. On a
one -hour route with one bus operating it, the bus would go by
once an hour. However, for half - hourly service, there would
be two buses required since one bus takes an hour.
Route 4 remains a half -hour service route because it is a
very heavily ridden route, and as it is expanded the
ridership will get even heavier. The only place where
service is proposed to be reduced is on Route 10, the
Westside Loop. Currently there . is half -hour service during
the morning and evening peak hours with hourly service during
the mid -day. Mr. Schultz proposed elimination of Saturday
service on Route 10 because Route 4 will pick up the
ridership under the modification with continuation of hourly
service on Saturdays. The proposal is scheduled to go into
effect on or about August 24.
Mr. Schultz explained that during those months that the
trolley will operate, the bus service will extend over to 2nd
Street and then resume its current routing. During the three
months that the trolley does not operate, the bus route will
have to be changed back to cover this area. Council Member
Semon mentioned that would be confusing to some people.
Council Member Brado commented that a lot of needy people
utilize the bus service. He also commented on the
courteousness of the bus drivers, and Mayor Berndt added that
they are some of the City's best goodwill ambassadors and it
is appreciated.
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It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO ACCEPT THE
REPORT AND DIRECT STAFF TO DRAFT APPROPRIATE LEGISLATION FOR
COUNCIL CONSIDERATION. The motion carried by unanimous
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JULY 7, 1992
voice vote. Councilmember Beauchamp commended the Transit
Committee for their guidance and performance.
7. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
Council Member Buchanan requested the alternate Council .
representative, Clarence Barnett, attend the next few
meetings of the Air Terminal Board to get an objective view
of the meetings, since he has been the liaison for many, many
years. Mayor Berndt reported she asked the Assistant City
Manager to respond to the citizen complaints received on the
military late night fly -bys, which are not under the City's
power to address.
Council Member Sims requested that Bill Schultz bring the
Council up to date on where we are regarding the PTBA
process. Mr. Schultz explained that the Study Committee has
continued to meet and negotiate over the concerns listed by
the City Council. To date, they have accomplished a
recommended set of bylaws, which all the communities will
ultimately have to approve, and a transition agreement
between the City and the PTBA for how services will be
provided and how services will be transitioned from City
service to PTBA administered services. The committee has yet
to resolve the issues concerning the management of the
system, the transition of employees, and the capital assets.
There will be a meeting within the next couple of weeks.
15. OTHER BUSINESS
Information Items:
Items of information supplied to Council were: Letter from
State Department of Transportation regarding study of highway
improvements to Sign Route 24 between Yakima and Moxee and
notice of public meeting on July 14th. 6/26/92; Notice of
new State building codes going into effect July 1, 1992.
6/15/92; Letter from State Department of Community
Development regarding notice that grant funds for fiscal year
1993 will be available in July for Growth Management Act;
Metro Plan Status Report as of July 2, 1992; Letter from
Isabelle Lepin and Kathryn Kershaw regarding cat problems and
cat license. 6/25/92; Notification of U.S. Postal Service
Project. 6/24/92; Letter From New Vision, YCDA, regarding
annual report and last two quarterly reports; Memorandum
from Sr. Project Planner regarding Population estimate for
April 1, 1992, Office of Financial Management. 7/1/92;
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1/ Monthly Annexation Status Report for June 1992; Office of
Housing and Neighborhood Conservation Elderly Co -Op Monthly
Report for June 1992; Rebound Plus Monthly Report for June
1992; Narcotics. Statistics Report for May 1992; Legal
Department Monthly Report for May 1992; and Article from
June 30, 1992 The Seattle Times, "Seattle Could Go into Cable
TV Business."
16. ADJOURNMENT TO JULY 14, 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 4:45 p.m.
\fl READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: /(- 12) ' ii 3
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c
COUNCIL MEMBER DATE
/i 1 _ . 4 u/ /i A --/
'CO Tr ' . MEMB' i ' DATE
ATTEST:
Aech_f2-,,. ,1 /e-e- C:;; ,25(A.,,t_11-
CITY CLERK " MAYOR
Minutes prepared by Deputy City Clerk Skovald
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