HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/10/1993 Adjourned Meeting 363
CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AUGUST 10, 1993
ADJOURNED MEETING
The City Council met in session on this date at 7:00 a.m. in the
Board Room at the Yakima Center, Yakima, Washington for informal
discussion among Council members. Council Members present were
Mayor Pat Berndt, presiding, Clarence Barnett, Bill Brado,
Lynn Buchanan, and Skip Semon. Council Member Henry Beauchamp
absent and excused. Staff members present were City Manager Zais,
Assistant City Manager Rice, Pleas Green, Chief of Police,
Marketa Oliver, Administrative Assistant to the City Manager,
Jerry Copeland, Director of Public Works, and Deputy City Clerk
Skovald. Also present was Mike Nixon, Chairman of the Parks and
Recreation Commission.
City Manager Zais reported that Kiwanis Park is being considered as
a possible location for the new Law and Justice Center. The focus
primarily has been on several aspects of that site including its
size and the absence of any deed restrictions that would prohibit
construction of the facility on it. The architect has been asked
to do some work on how bidders would be instructed to reposition
and redefine their proposals to be situated on that lot. City
Manager Zais explained that there are other site possibilities that
have been suggested and invited any other thoughts and comments.
He further explained that the basic issue needed to be decided is
what site the Council wants to pursue and suggested the current
bids be set aside and ask for bids on an alternate site.
A meeting with the Parks and Recreation Commission was recently
held to consider the aspects of this possible location and
preliminary plans. Mike Nixon presented his viewpoints about the
Kiwanis Park site from the standpoint of the Parks and Recreation
Commission. He explained that the Park and Recreation Commission,
in general, supported using the southwest corner of Kiwanis Park.
The impact on the park, for the most part, would be positive
because it would provide a presence in that part of town that may
have some benefit. Although the Parks and Recreation Commission
unanimously supports the idea of the law and justice facility being
there, there are some concerns, however, that they felt should be
brought to the attention of the Council. This particular location
has one of the two restroom facilities in the park, and also is the
passive, nonballfield oriented portion of the park, a place where
kids can play or other spontaneous activities can take place, and
has scenic beauty. Mr. Nixon explained these would need to be
replaced elsewhere in the park if this site is chosen. Joint use
of the parking facilities would improve the current parking
situation. Council Member Barnett commented that parking can be a
major problem, especially when major tournaments are being held.
Because it would interrupt park activity, Mr. Nixon explained
that the Commission's recommendation is to place the facility
closer to the Fair Avenue -Maple Street intersection rather than
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AUGUST 10, 1993 ADJOURNED MEETING
farther north. He mentioned the large trees that could be lost and
the need for replanting if this happens. Another thought expressed
by Mr. Nixon included the Parks Division utilizing any funds
generated from land lease or purchase of park property for
playground equipment or any other designated purpose which would
benefit the whole city. In order to address a question from
I/
Council Member Semon regarding the possibility of locating the new
law and justice facility at the Kiwanis Park location, Mr. Nixon
expressed a willingness to work cooperatively with everyone to
support the needs of the City.
Council Member Brado expressed his preference to locate the law and
justice facility in the downtown area as opposed to the Greenway
site or the Kiwanis Park site because of better access and closer
proximity to the rest of the City. He also expressed concern for
family safety when police vehicles have to speed in and out of the
facility. The citizens of the City would be better served by
placing the new facility downtown. Council Member Barnett
colluuented that he hadn't seen any downtown plan submitted. Council
Member Brado commented that there is indeed some activity towards
that now. Mayor Berndt stated that although she has been a strong
supporter of building the facility downtown, she pointed out that
Fair Avenue will eventually be a direct route to and from the
proposed Greenway site location. Referring to the Kiwanis Park
location, she commented that a lot of people would love to have a
police station there, especially because of the safety factor; it
would be a real advantage for the people who use that park as well
as the beginning of urban renewal being beneficial in that area.
Council Member Semon referred to the Downtown Plan, and commented
that to build outside the downtown area would be to abandon the
area we pledged to support. It doesn't send a very good message to
the community about the downtown area. He presented a drawing of a
plan that was submitted by Mike Mercy in 1991, which includes a
City Hall and Police Station utilizing underground parking and
suggested this location be further considered. Council Member
Barnett commented that if we consider the Armory area in Mike
Mercy's plan, then Joe Morrier's plan should also be considered.
Council members discussed the details of this proposal, including
parking, future development possibilities, the need for possible
additional funding, the possibility of retrofitting an existing
structure, and minimum standards needed for a new criminal justice
facility. City Manager Zais explained the legal options which are
currently available and explained several aspects to consider.
There was continued discussion regarding these options as well as
the amount of time required to restart the RFP process. Member
Semon expressed his continued strong support for a new Law and
Justice Facility; however, he did not agree with the amount of time
it takes to get the project going. Council Member Brado suggested
retrofitting a building to fit the needs of the Police Department.
There was a considerable amount of discussion regarding possible
project sites and budget limitations, cost comparisons to other
areas of the country, along with whether it would be feasible to
modify a current design at a downtown location.
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AUGUST 10, 1993 ADJOURNED MEETING
Council Member Buchanan commented that we need to make a
determination and get going on it before we lose the $3 million.
There was continued discussion regarding site location, the need to
determine costs of a suitable design, or a retrofit if that's
suitable, and consideration of the possibility of putting it out
for rebid to include the reconfiguration of structure design and
concept from those who have already submitted a proposal, but with
a particular site specified. City Manager Zais commented that we
had expected to see some proposals on retrofitting. There were
lots of ideas floating around that didn't happen and can
acconunodate the design options. Council members discussed the time
frame for a rebid and it was the consensus to give two weeks to see
if a downtown site proposal can be developed and for staff to
figure options for any increased costs. Council Member Barnett
asked that wherever the site is and if it requires more money, that
staff identify the source of the additional funds. There was
further discussion regarding choosing.an ideal location and
determining its cost.
Marketa Oliver referred to her draft newsletter on state mandates
and requested any input or corrections from Council members.
After discussion regarding turn radius concerns for the J Ramp in
the 1-82 project expressed by Council Member Buchanan, the Value
Engineering Team meeting to prioritize the I -82 project objectives,
and a request from those. Council members who will be unable to
attend the Special Meeting on Monday for an opportunity to put
their priorities in writing; the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 a.m.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: �/ //. j< %y._ T y
r0 • L MEMBE' j!•TE
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COUNCIL MEMB DATE
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK MAYOR
MINUTES PREPARED BY DEPUTY CITY CLERK SKOVALD.
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