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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. 348 JULY 7, 1992 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. 2 34.9 •!JULY 7, •1992 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. 3 350` 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 4 3 51 JULY..-_ 7 , 1992: G 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. 5 352 JULY 7, 1992 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 6 r Y 353 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. 7 354 JULY 7, 1992 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. 8 • 35 5 - 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. • 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 9 356 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; 10 357 JULY, 7, 1992 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 ---- 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 1/ 11