Loading...
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 151 FEBRUARY 16,, 1993 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 • 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. 2 152 • FEBRUARY 16, 1993 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 3 15 3 FEBRUARY 16,. , 1993 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 4 -15 4 FEBRUARY 16, 1993 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. I/ 5 155 FEBRUARY 16, 199 *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 6 156 FEBRUARY 16, 1993 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. 1 7 • 157 FEBRUARY 16, 1993 *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. 8 1:5 8 FEBRUARY 16, 1993 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. 9