HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/16/1993 Business Meeting 150
CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON.
FEBRUARY 16, 1993
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, and Bernard Sims
present on roll call. Council Member Skip Semon absent and
excused. 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
Lynn Buchanan.
3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
Ester Huey, from the Yakima County Substance Abuse Coalition,
introduced LIFT Students Eric Ball and Lina Rios. Mayor
Berndt welcomed them and invited their participation.
Mayor Berndt designated February 1993 as PTA Month in the City
of Yakima and encouraged all citizens to learn how they can get
involved in their children's education. Martha Rice, with the
PTA in Yakima, explained their focus has been on parenting
programs and cooperative partnerships with local businesses and
organizations as well as the many other PTA activities
throughout the state and nation.
John Elsden, Senior Project Planner, invited the public to
attend or watch on YCTV the first live call -in program for the
metro planning process. The purpose of this program is to
provide an opportunity for more community involvement in the
planning process.
Referencing a letter from Mark Nedrow, Solid Waste Programs
Coordinator with the Yakima County Public Works Department,
Mayor Berndt presented certificates of award to Nancy Gaudette,
Billy Briggs, and David Moses for their assistance and
cooperation during the various household hazardous waste
collection events. Their positive efforts helped to make the
program successful, smooth operating and efficient.
4. 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
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was the general consensus to add Item No. 14 and to remove Item
No. 12 from the Consent Agenda. The City Clerk then read the
Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances by
I/ title. It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, THAT
THE CONSENT AGENDA, AS AMENDED, BE ADOPTED. The motion
carried by unanimous roll call vote; Semon absent. (Subsequent
paragraph's preceded by as asterisk ( *) indicate items on the
Consent Agenda handled under one motion without further
discussion.)
*5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 19, 1993 BUSINESS
MEETING
The minutes of the January 19, 1993 Business meeting was
approved, having been duly certified accurate by two Council
Members and no one present wishing to have said minutes read
publicly.
6. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Larry Mathews, 805 South 17th Avenue, referred to an article in
the Herald - Republic and urged Council to refer Council Member
Brado's actions relating to the Union Gospel Mission relocation
issue to the County Prosecutor's Office for investigation.
Council Member Brado advised Mr. Mathews to look for his
response in the Sunday paper.
7. REPORT FROM PLANNING DIVISION AND TRAFFIC ENGINEERING DIVISION
REGARDING TRAFFIC ISSUE ON 24TH AVENUE /NOB HILL BOULEVARD
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Joan Davenport, Supervising Associate Planner, and
Shelley Willson, Supervising Traffic Engineer, briefly
summarized their staff report concerning the three South 24th
Avenue neighborhood traffic meetings. Using charts to
illustrate, they also recounted the content of those meetings
and answered questions from Council members about the available
options and the impact on the neighborhood if implemented, the
various preferences of the residents, staff recommendations,
and alternative approaches in an attempt to mitigate traffic
concerns of this neighborhood. In response to a comment from
Council. Member Barnett regarding safety enhancement funds,
I/ Don Skone, Planning Manager, addressed the street
classification of 24th Avenue, indicating this street would
have to compete with other streets in the City for funding
availability.
Glenn Rice, Assistant City Manager, read a letter from Bill
Vivian, 615 South 26th Avenue, requesting South 24th Avenue be
left as is and no money be spent on this issue.
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Kathy Hampton, 618 South 24th Avenue, expressed concern about
increased volumes of traffic as well as problems stemming from
the many vehicles traveling over the speed limit on South 24th
Avenue. She submitted a map of a modified one -way street
network on 24th Avenue along with a Petition proposing this
concept be developed into a one year pilot project. Council
Member Barnett suggested that any action be postponed until the
bank opens so any additional impact can be included.
Curtis King, 711 South 24th Avenue, agreed with Kathy Hampton's
statements. He also commended the staff for a job well done
and suggested a temporary trial period for the modified one -way
plan.
Blaine Gibson, 710 South 22nd Avenue, empathized with his
neighbors on 24th Avenue, but expressed concern for the impact
the modified one -way plan would have on 22nd Avenue as well as
the rest of the neighborhood.
Rosemary Gottlieb, 711 South 22nd Avenue, commented about the
growth in Yakima and explained many of the complaints from 24th
Avenue are the same for her street. Ms. Gottlieb expressed
concern for emergency vehicles trying to maneuver through the
barricaded streets. She also commended the staff for a job
well done. She submitted a map of an alternative approach.
Ken Hillard, 702 South 24th Avenue, was in favor of
implementing the limited one -way street plan for a trial
period. He also suggested that more traffic counts be taken
• and commented about implementing staggered parking.
It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, TO IMPLEMENT A SIX -MONTH
EXPERIMENT AND THEN ANOTHER HEARING BE HELD TO
DETERMINE ANY IMPACT. The motion died for a lack of a
second. Council Member Sims commented about the neighborhood
meetings, which he attended. The factor of costs played an
important role in the neighborhood deciding what to do. The
option submitted by the 24th Avenue people is the most viable.
Mayor Berndt did not think a quick fix would work, but instead
would create more problems for the rest of the neighborhood.
Council Member Barnett commented that an accurate traffic count
should be done before any changes are made. After further
discussion among Council members and staff about various
alternatives and approaches and the effects on the
neighborhood, Bill Hambleton, South 32nd Avenue, explained the
"S" concept he observed in another city. Teresa Kraft, 615
South 23rd Avenue, expressed concern regarding the modified
one -way concept because South 23rd Avenue cannot handle the
extra traffic, especially when it snows. Shelley Willson
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suggested a periodic emphasis be done by the Police Department.
She stressed the importance of speed control, since that was
the major concern of all neighbors, and explained there is
nothing that can be installed in the street that can
effectively reduce speed for more than 100 feet. After further
discussion among Council members and staff about the
effectiveness of speeding tickets, a commitment from Police
Chief Pleas Green to run an "emphasis" in this area
periodically, and a comment about the absence of traffic when
it snowed from Barbara Carr, 614 South 24th Avenue, it was
MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY BARNETT, TO ADOPT THE
ONE -WAY ALTERNATIVE FOR A SIX -MONTH PERIOD, WITH
TRAFFIC COUNTS TO BE MONITORED DURING THAT TIME, WITH
THE UNDERSTANDING' THAT AFTER SIX MONTHS, IT CAN COME
BACK TO COUNCIL. Council Member Buchanan expressed concern
about increased traffic on the narrow street of MacLaren.
There was more discussion regarding the impact of the various
options. City Attorney Vanek provided legal explanation
regarding provisions in the ordinance would be created.
Council Member Sims wanted a stop sign on 23rd Avenue and
MacLaren and the one -way to start on the south side of
MacLaren. The question was called for a vote on the
motion. Council Member Buchanan commented that by trying to
solve one problem, other problems will be created. The motion
failed by 4 -2 voice vote; Beauchamp and Brado voting aye; Semon
absent. It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO
INSTRUCT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO DO AN EMPHASIS
PATROL. The motion carried by 5 -1 voice vote; Beauchamp
voting nay; Semon absent. Before submitting another petition,
Kathy Hampton was advised to wait two months after the opening
of the bank in order to determine whether this emphasis patrol
is successful.
8. REPORT FROM PARKS AND RECREATION REGARDING PARKS SURVEY
Dave Flaherty, Parks and Recreation Manager, reported he was
very happy with the number of responses as well as the specific
information from the communitywide survey recently concluded.
In addition to the survey results and other information already
provided to Council, Mr. Flaherty concluded the following: (1)
There is considerable interest in and support for park
I/ facilities and recreation services in this community. (2)
Parks & Recreation services are viewed as a key element in this
community's overall quality of life. (3) There is room for
improvement in all phases of the City's Parks & Recreation
Division, but there is also an appreciation for the
improvements which occurred over the last five years and that
overall, City facilities and programs are viewed favorably.
(4) There is significant community support for continued repair
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and improvements to the City's existing Parks & Recreation
facilities. A major sports complex in the City of Yakima may
be a good idea, but the desire and interest to fund it is not
present at this time. (5) Quality care and upkeep of existing
City Parks is important to the people of Yakima. (6) There is
both an interest and a willingness to consider the need to take
existing City owned property and develop it into new parks for
the benefit of the neighborhoods in those areas. (7) Council
members should feel proud of their own efforts to improve City
parks and services given the constraints faced yearly and
challenged by what still needs to be done in the years ahead.
Council Member Barnett commented that the survey clearly
demonstrated that there is support for a bond issue only for
repair and maintenance or renovation of existing parks.
Referring to the economic profile of those surveyed, Council
Member Beauchamp asked how those surveyed were chosen.
Mr. Flaherty explained it was a random process with three
distinct groups that included known past recreation program
participants, City utility customers, and members of the
Chamber of Commerce. Council Member Beauchamp expressed
concern for the low response rate from those residents of
Southeast and Northeast Yakima. They would be largely affected
by a bond. After further discussion about this survey, it was
MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO ACCEPT THE
REPORT. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Semon
absent.
*9. NOTICE OF INTENT TO COMMENCE CITIZEN INITIATED ANNEXATION
PROCEEDINGS FOR WEST POWERHOUSE ANNEXATION (STANDARD MOTIONS A
& B)
February 16, 1993 was set as the time of a meeting with the
initiating parties who have signed a Notice of Intent to
Commence Annexation Proceedings, the initiating parties being
George A. Mull and Donna J. Mull, and Delwayne L. Matthews.
The annexation proposed by the initiating parties was accepted
by the City of Yakima and the area to be annexed was required
to assume its share of the City's existing indebtedness and it
is directed that a Notice of Intent to Annex be filed with the
Yakima County Boundary Review Board.
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*10. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A GRANT
CONTRACT WITH WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR
STATE TRANSIT PLANNING ASSISTANCE
RESOLUTION NO. R -93 -9, A RESOLUTION authorizing the
execution of an agreement with the Washington State Department
of Transportation for financial assistance for development of
the Transit Element of the City of Yakima Comprehensive Plan.
*11. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING FILING OF TWO STATE
HOUSING APPLICATIONS:
A. NEW CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM
RESOLUTION NO. R- 93 -10, A RESOLUTION authorizing and
directing the City Manager of the City of Yakima to file an
application with the State of Washington Department of
Community Development for funding New Construction Program.
B. RENTAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM
RESOLUTION NO. R- 93 -11, A RESOLUTION authorizing and
directing City Manager of the City of Yakima to file an
application with the State of Washington Department of
Community Development for funding Rental Rehabilitation
Program.
Agenda Item No. 15 was considered out of sequence on the Agenda.
15. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING
TO BUSINESSES DEEMED TO BE EXEMPT FROM THE BUSINESS LICENSE
CODE
It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY BARNETT, TO TABLE
FOR TWO WEEKS FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND LEGAL
REVIEW OF CITATION. The motion carried by unanimous voice
vote; Semon absent.
12. APPROVAL OF 4TH QUARTER 1992 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM
REPORT
Fred French, City Engineer, answered questions from Council
Member Beauchamp regarding the affirmative action breakdown by
contractor per project. Mr. French explained there are
guidelines set out in each contract for the contractors to
follow. All of the assurances have been provided that we have
the authority to require. Every one of those goals have been
met. Council Member Beauchamp commented about workforce
participation, that the responsibilities and obligations must
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be made clear. After discussion among Council members
regarding workforce participation and the need to discuss this
subject further, it was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY
SIMS, TO ACCEPT THE REPORT. The motion carried by
unanimous voice vote; Semon absent.
*13. APPROVAL OF RIGHT -OF -WAY USE PERMIT FOR DICK HERNANDEZ, 1220
NORTH 40TH AVENUE
The Right -of -Way Use permit requested by Richard Hernandez to
erect a 20 1/2 ft. rotating sign: at the edge of the canal
right -of -way at 1220 North 40th Avenue was approved.
*14. CONSIDERATION OF AWARD OF CITY'S LEGAL ADVERTISING CONTRACT
The Contract was awarded to the only bidder, Yakima Herald -
Republic.
*16. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING NEW EXPENSE
REIMBURSEMENT RATES FOR CITY VOLUNTEER FIRE DIVISION
ORDINANCE NO. 93 - 7, AN ORDINANCE relating to
administration; establishing new expense reimbursement rates
for the City of Yakima Volunteer Fire Division, and amending
Section 1.44.180 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code.
*17. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING 1993 BUDGET AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR TITLE CONFIRMATION SERVICES
An Ordinance amending the 1993 budget and appropriating funds
for title confirmation services, having been read by title only
at the previous meeting, was brought before the Council for a
second reading.
ORDINANCE NO. 93 - 8, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1993 budget
for the City of Yakima; and making an appropriation of
$15,000.00 in the Trolley (Yakima Interurban Lines) Fund for
expenditure during 1993 for confirming the City's property
rights.
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*18. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CLASSIFICATION AND
COMPENSATION PLAN FOR CITY EMPLOYEES (FIRE CODE INSPECTOR,
ENGINEERING TECHNICIANS I & III, AND LABORATORY COORDINATOR)
ORDINANCE NO. 93 -9, AN ORDINANCE relating to City
personnel; adopting a classification and compensation plan for
city employees to be effective March 21, 1993; amending
Subsections 2.20.100 A, 2.20.100 C, 2.20.100 D, 2.20.110 A,
2.20.110 F, and 2.20.110 H, all of the City of Yakima Municipal
Code.
19. OTHER BUSINESS
There was discussion among Council members and staff regarding
the pre- application for the EDA urban planning grant for the
long range planning process for a Foreign Trade Zone at the
Yakima Airport.
There was also discussion regarding the need for additional
Council "meetings for the purpose of discussing matters
involving policy issues and meetings with individual
departments.
Information Items:
Items of information supplied to Council were: Letter to
Washington State Boundary Review Board for Yakima County
regarding appointment of Mary Tenney as member of the Board.
2/12/93; Letter from David McFadden resigning from Community
Development Advisory Committee. 2/10/93; Notice and News
Release regarding showing of "Looking Ahead: Planning Yakima's
Future" on YCTV; Letter to SEPA Reviewing Agencies regarding
Environmental Review, Washington Fruit. 1/29/93; Memorandum
from Director of Public Works and Shelley Willson regarding
January 1993 Monthly Citizen Request Report from Traffic
Engineering Division; DOE Briefsheet, Legislative Briefing:
Water Right Application Fees Proposal; Minutes of the November
10, 1992 Yakima County Substance 'Abuse Coalition meeting;
Business & Health Special Report, "Reforming Health Care:
Proposals to Watch" and "Reforming Health Care: State and local
Actions "; and The Chanaina Northwest, newsletter of the
Northwest Policy Center, Volume 4, Issue 4, November 1992.
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20. EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING PENDING AND PROSPECTIVE LITIGATION
It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO MOVE INTO
EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING PENDING
AND PROSPECTIVE LITIGATION. The motion carried by
unanimous voice vote; Semon absent.
21. ADJOURNMENT
Following the conclusion of the Executive Session, the meeting
adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY:
COU CIL MEMBER DATE 7
COUNCIL MEM DATE
ATTEST:
, &, v
CITY CLERK MAYOR
MINUTES PREPARED BY DEPUTY CITY CLERK SKOVALD.
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