Loading...
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 364 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. 2 3 6 - 5 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 • 4.741(.5;4 14'( COUNCIL MEMB DATE ATTEST: (; CITY CLERK MAYOR MINUTES PREPARED BY DEPUTY CITY CLERK SKOVALD. 3