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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/12/1992 Business Meeting 272 CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON MAY 12, 1992 BUSINESS MEETING 1. ROLL CALL I/ 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, Lynn Buchanan, Skip Semon and Bernard Sims present on roll call. Councilmembers Bill Brado and Henry Beauchamp 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 A. PROCLAMATIONS Mayor Berndt proclaimed May 11 -15 as Try Transit Week. Transit Manager Schultz introduced Mitzi Sluys as the Transit Operator of the Year. Mayor Berndt proclaimed May 17 -23 as National Public Works Week. Public Works Director Copeland invited everyone to attend an Open House at the Public Works complex, May 18 -22. There will be equipment displays and tours. An Honor Award from the American Planning Association of Washington was presented to the City on its Vision 2010 Document. Community and Economic Development Director Rice explained the award and congratulated the City for their efforts. 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 MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA, AS READ, BE ADOPTED. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote; Beauchamp and Brado absent. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk ( *) indicate items on the Consent Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion.) 273 ,MAY,,12, 1992_ - „. I/ *5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 14 & 21, 1992 BUSINESS MEETINGS The Council minutes of the April 14 & 21, 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 Sister Margarita Acosta, St. Elizabeth Medical Center Administrator, addressed the Council and discussed the Council's concern of the parking problems involved with the expansion of the hospital and medical office complex. She explained that the hospital is at present leasing off - campus parking for approximately 60 employees. Sister Acosta presented photos of the hospital campus and the landscaping. She asked the Council to consider the steps they have taken, including valet parking, moving employees to satellite offices with leased parking spaces, and spending $100,000 for parking studies. She commented she can not understand the reason for having a parking code andlthen being asked by the City to exceed that code. She reminded the Council that this is a time when the State, through the Trip Reduction Law, is requiring employers of mor employees to reduce the number of single occupant vehicles by 15 %. The hospital is working on implementing this. She asked the Council to please work with them and acknowledge the work they have done to meet the parking codes. Councilmember Buchanan asked Sister Acosta if she supports the downtown trolleys, as he is aware some of St. Elizabeth's employees use it for transportation to and from work. Sister Acosta replied she is in support of the trolleys. It was the consensus of the Council and staff that they will consider the off -site parking and the need for less parking, and re- evaluate the parking requirements for the hospital. The staff will bring the necessary information back to the I/ Council. 7. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FROM GEORGE JOSEPH COMPANY FOR WATER AND SEWER UTILITY SERVICE EXTENSION TO TERRACE HEIGHTS Denny Covell, Director of Engineering and Utilities, explained the request and was present to answer questions. Mr. Covell explained to Councilmember Barnett that the cost would be shared 50 -50 and the City's cost would be recouped 2 274 MAY 12, 1992 in time through connection charges and development of the industrial area. The present source of funds would be the Water -Sewer Rate Structure cash reserve and /or a bond issue. This would require an approximate 2% water rate increase and a 1% sewer rate increase to cover the City's 50% share of costs. IT WAS MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY SIMS, THAT THE CITY PROCEED WITH EXTENSION OF CITY UTILITIES IN THE TERRACE HEIGHTS AREA AND THAT IT BE TIED TO IMMEDIATE ANNEXATION, IF POSSIBLE, OR OUTSIDE UTILITY AGREEMENT. Mr. Barnett expressed his concern for possible water rates being raised due to the new Public Works and Transit facilities. City Manager Zais stated there are a great many factors that effect the water rate structures and the Council will receive a report on the rate structure in July or August of this year. The recycling costs will possibly have an effect on the refuse rates. He stated there has not been a water rate increase since 1985. Mayor Berndt and Councilmember Semon spoke in favor of the utility extension because they feel it is a step toward providing economic growth and opportunities for future jobs. Councilmember Sims asked when the development would occur. Tim Ansell, of George Joseph Company, informed the Council that Spring of 1993 would be the timeframe for building. The question was called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Beauchamp and Brado absent. 8. REPORTS FROM PUBLIC WORKS /TRANSIT DIVISION: Item No. 8 was considered after Item No. 9, at Mayor Berndt's request. A. ORAL AND VIDEO PRESENTATION FROM GRAY HALL AND WARDELL ARCHITECTS REGARDING THE TRANSIT CENTER DESIGN Transit Manager Schultz introduced the video for Council to view. The video discussed the new proposed Transit Transfer facility site at South Fourth. Street, between Walnut and Chestnut; "a central, convenient location, near the heart of Yakima ". The architect's drawing of the proposed facility was displayed. A clock tower will be included, and the area will be landscaped. Two of the seven properties, which comprise the proposed site, have already been purchased. Following the video, Mr. Schultz introduced Gary Hall, the contractor, and the Wardells, architectural subcontractors. Mr. Schultz explained the facility design to the Council. Councilmember Barnett questioned the reason for the consultant's fee being increased by 25% since the 1991 -92 3 275 MAY:,12, 1992, budget. Mr. Schultz explained these costs are for additional work, such as the architectural subcontract; also some of the environmental work was not in the original contract. Mike Mercy, 230 S. 2nd Street, questioned a left turn lane being eliminated. Mr. Schultz explained it would be in the middle of 4th Street, as it approaches the island. A person will still be able to turn left from 4th Street to Yakima Avenue. Mr. Barnett asked if the .legal fees incurred in the condemnation procedures were included in the cost estimates. Mr. Schultz stated they were not, as those projected costs are not known. Mr. Zais said these known costs are included in the land acquisition figures, on the known property costs. Mr. Zais pointed out an error on the budget sheet, in the consultant's fee, on the summary, table 3, instead of $307,922; it should be $271,000. The final budget total would be approximately $1,910,000. Mayor Berndt stated she asked for a chronological history of this project to be included for Council information. Following further discussion, it was MOVED BY SEMON, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO APPROVE THE PRELIMINARY DESIGN AND DIRECT STAFF TO PREPARE APPROPRIATE LEGISLATION TO INCREASE THE PROJECT BUDGET AND PROPERTY ACQUISITION AUTHORIZATION. The motion carried by 4 -1 `voice vote; Beauchamp and Brado absent; Barnett voting nay because he thinks the project is getting too expensive. B. REPORT FROM TRAHO REGARDING PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY MODIFICATIONS Barbara Cline of TRAHO explained the layout of the proposed Fruitvale facility. Another entry on Fruitvale is planned, with the present entrance being made into an exit. An entrance for vehicles refueling and heavy equipment vehicles will be on N. 21st Avenue. She explained the storage areas, maintenance areas, parking garage areas, sawtooth parking arrangement, and park and ride area. In answer to his question, Public Works Director Copeland, informed Councilmember Barnett that the other departments presently using the Public Works facility would be there for another 15 years. Following further discussion, it was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO APPROVE THE PRELIMINARY DESIGN IN ORDER TO PROCEED WITH THE NEXT LEVEL OF DESIGN. The motion carried by 3 -2 voice vote; Barnett and Berndt 4 276 MAY 12, 1992 voting nay; Beauchamp and Brado absent. Mayor Berndt stated she had nothing against the design, but since she voted against it before she wanted to be consistent. C. REPORT REGARDING TRANSIT (TROLLEY) SURVEY RESULTS Mr. Schultz remarked that out of 13,051 questionnaires mailed out, 4,447 were returned and tabulated. He reviewed the survey as follows: 1. Increase sales tax to expand service: Yes -- 614 No- -2,983 2. Priorities for expanded services: Mr. Schultz said it was obvious citizens had a problem with understanding this question. Longer hours for fixed route service received 770 votes as highest priority. 1,914 citizens had no response to this question. The largest responses to Sunday service, and Dial -A -Ride expansion were "no response ". Councilmember Sims stated he believes the reason so many citizens answered "no response" was because they do not use bus service. 3. Fare increase to 50 cents: Yes - -2,423 No- -1,251 Decrease regular service to expand Dial -A -Ride: Yes -- 536 No- -2,908 4. Continue Downtown Trolley service: Yes -- 969 No- -2,683 5. Decrease regular service to continue Downtown Trolley service: Yes -- 274 No- -3,648 6. Have you used Transit services Regular fixed route service: Yes - -2,453 No- -1,994 Downtown Trolleys Yes -- 959 No- -3,488 Special Event Shuttlebus: Yes - -2,368 No- -2,079 Dial -A -Ride: Yes -- 499 No- -3,948 5 277 MAY, 12 , 1992,_ . The various methods of publishing the results of the survey for the public were discussed. Neal Coffey, 1110 N. 20th Avenue, submitted a petition against the trolleys with 812 signatures. He feels the survey shows that the public does not want the trolleys. Mr. Coffey stated the Dial -A -Ride budget was flat for a ten year period. He believes this is why the senior citizens favor the trolleys. His suggestion is for the City to enhance the service for Dial -A -Ride and increase the regular service bus rates, thereby satisfying the citizens and the City. Councilmember Buchanan informed Mr. Coffey that there has been major increases in the Dial -A -Ride budget. The Council told Mr. Coffey that they have been very concerned with Dial -A -Ride and that it has been considerably increased. It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO ACCEPT THE REPORT. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Beauchamp and Brado absent. 9. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION ADOPTING FINDINGS OF FACTS AND CONCLUSIONS AND GRANTING SHORELINE PERMIT TO COLUMBIA ASPHALT & GRAVEL (AVAILABLE MONDAY) Mayor Berndt requested Item No. 9 be considered before Item No. 8. Councilmember Buchanan asked to be excused in the interest of appearance of fairness. Assistant City Attorney Paolella said the County Commissioners have postponed the decision for one week and they have requested the City do likewise. They also requested to meet with City Council before the decision is made. IT WAS MOVED BY SEMON, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO DEFER FOR ONE WEEK OR UNTIL FURTHER DISCUSSION WITH COUNTY COMMISSIONER HAS OCCURRED. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Beauchamp, Brado and Buchanan absent. *10. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A GRANT AGREEMENT FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF SOLID WASTE PROGRAMS RESOLUTION NO. D -6111, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute a grant agreement for implementation of solid waste programs. *11. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH EIGHT LENDING INSTITUTIONS FOR MULTI - FAMILY LOAN PROGRAM RESOLUTION NO. D -6112, A RESOLUTION authorizing the Director of Community and Economic Development of the City of Yakima 6 278 MAY 12, 1992 to enter into an agreement with eight lending institutions of Washington for implementation of a multi - family loan program. *12. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH THE YMCA TO PROVIDE SUMMER PLAYGROUND PROGRAMS RESOLUTION NO. D -6113, A RESOLUTION authorizing execution of an Agreement with the Young Men's Christian Association of Yakima for a summer playground program. *13. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF SELAH FOR USAGE OF CARLON SOFTBALL COMPLEX RESOLUTION NO. D -6114, A RESOLUTION authorizing execution of an agreement with the City of Selah for Usage of Carlon Park. *14. SET DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR MAY 26, 1992 ON VACATION OF PUBLIC UTILITY EASEMENT AT 4606 SCENIC DRIVE AS REQUESTED BY DR. & MRS. ABOLHOUSON May 26, 1992 was set as the date of public hearing to consider the petition to vacate the platted public utility easement separating lots 4 & 5 of Hilltop Heights Subdivision located in the vicinity of 4606 Scenic Drive, as requested by Dr. & Mrs. Abolhouson. *15. SET DATE OF PUBLIC MEETING FOR MAY 26, 1992 TO CONSIDER HEARING EXAMINER RECOMMENDATION ON THE YMCA'S MASTER APPLICATION FOR REZONE OF 102, 104 AND 106 NORTH 6TH STREET May 26, 1992 was set as the date of public meeting to consider the Hearing Examiner's recommendation on the Young Men's Christian Association Master Application for rezone of 102, 104 and 106 North 6th Street, Class 2 Use and an Administrative Adjustment. *16. APPROVAL OF THE APRIL 1992 BUDGET REPORT The April 1992 Budget Report was accepted. 17. OTHER BUSINESS None 7 279 MAY 12, 1992 Information Items: Items of information provided to Council were: Adopted YCCAA Board Open Burning Policy; Memorandum from Director of Community & Economic Development regarding SSHB 1671, Transportation Demand Management /Commute Trip Reduction Law 1/92. 5/8/92; News Release regarding Try Transit Week; Memorandum from Streets and Traffic Operations Manager regarding Street Repairs by 604 South 6th Street. 5/4/92; Memorandum from State Department of Community Development regarding Public Input meetings for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Application Evaluation Process. 5/5/92; Elderly Co -Op Monthly Report for May 1992; Trolley First Quarter 1992 Report for April 1992; Memorandum from City Attorney regarding Damage Claims Referred to Insurance Company. 5/4/92; April 1992 Monthly Citizen Request Report from the Traffic Engineer Division; Monthly Permit Center Report for April 1992; Article from April /May 1992 Currents, "Vancouver, USA - Annexation: Better Return on Local Tax Dollars "; Minutes of the March 12, 1992 Community Development Advisory Committee; Agenda for the May 11, 1992 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting and minutes of its February 10, 1992 meeting; and Yakima Interurban Lines Association May 1992 Newsletter and May 1992 Schedule of Events. 18. EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY SEMON, TO MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY AND PENDING LITIGATION, WITH IMMEDIATE ADJOURNMENT THEREAFTER. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Beauchamp and Brado absent. 8