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.)
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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