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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/16/1993 Business Meeting 27 SfJ; CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON NOVEMBER 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, Skip Semon and Bernard Sims present on roll call. City Manager Zais, City Attorney Paolella, and City Clerk Roberts also present. 2. INVOCATION /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Invocation was given by Council Member Beauchamp. 3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER A. PROCLAMATIONS (IF APPLICABLE) Council Member Barnett suggested that the property owners affected by the 1-82 Frontage Road Study should receive a copy of the entire report. Denny Covell, Director of Engineering and Utilities, stated his reasons for only sending the executive summary of the report, plus the maps. Council Member Barnett complimented Chris Waarvick, Wastewater Superintendent, on his outstanding letter to the Department of Ecology (DOE) relating concerns of the City about the requirements DOE is placing upon cities. Mayor Berndt reported that she and City Manager Zais will attend the AWC legislative meeting this Thursday, and on Friday she will attend a reception by the APEC Committee. She was particularly excited about attending the reception because she will be the only Eastern Washington mayor to attend, which reflects well on Yakima. Mayor Berndt presented a Community Anti -Drug Coalition of American •Outstanding Law Enforcement Idea award for the Rebound Plus Alley Cats program. She invited Council to I/ attend the recognition award ceremony for the youth this Thursday-evening at 6:00 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre. 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. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances by title. It was the general 28 NOVEMBER 16, 1993 consensus of the Council that Item No. 10 be removed from the Consent Agenda. It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA, AS READ, BE ADOPTED. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk ( *) indicate items on the Consent Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion.) *5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 5, 1993 BUSINESS 1/ MEETING The minutes of the October 5, 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. PUBLIC MEETING ON FINAL STATEMENT REGARDING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ENTITLEMENT RIGHT FOR HOUSING (SEE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION TO HUD FOR FUNDING 1994 CDBG PROGRAM) This being the time set for the public meeting, Dixie Kracht, Block Grant Manager, stated that before Council today is the final statement which is the 1994 application for entitlement funds for the HUD Block Grant Program. She responded to Council members' questions and concerns relating to program monitoring and requirements for low income rental units. It was suggested that a short report, with information given on each housing program, be prepared. Mayor Berndt opened the meeting for comments from the public. Hector Franco, Del Norte Community Development Corporation, suggested a new program to assist private industry, particularly minority businesses, to build low - income housing might be more economically feasible than the current programs now being funded. Luz Gutierrez, Women and Minority Enterprise, agreed with Mr. Franco's comments and stated Council should consider earmarking money for economic development, not just housing. Dan Tilley, 313 North 31st Avenue, suggested another alternative relating to downtown urban renewal, which would create jobs. Phil Pleasant, 701 South 7th Avenue, commented that this program should be encouraging the development of black businesses. Daniel Enriquez, President of the-Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Yakima, stated this community needs affordable housing. He offered to assist staff in bringing in more minority contractors. David Hawkins, 114 North 9th Street, commented that in any city, landlords will require a deposit and first and last months' rent. Inflation is here and it won't go away. There being no other citizen wishing to speak, the public meeting was closed. Council Member Beauchamp agreed with the need to include flexibility in the program for economic development and urban renewal. Ms. Kracht stated the City is following a three -year plan, of which this is the final year. The Plan was based on community input and 2 2 9 NOVEMBER16 1993 n iy Council discussion.. Community indicated that housing was critical. Following further discussion, and Resolution No. R -93 -115 having been read by title, it was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. RESOLUTION NO. R - 93 - 115, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager of the City of Yakima to file an application with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for funding of the 1994 Community Development Block Grant Program. 7. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Joe Schons, 4806 west Chestnut, requested Council members complete the questionnaire he sent regarding individual Council Members' relationship with the Yakima Greenway. Mayor Berndt stated she agreed to excuse herself from this deliberation under the appearance of fairness doctrine because she is an ex- officio member of the Greenway. She further commented that the Council is frequently asked to put aside their personal feelings when voting. Mayor Berndt interpreted Council comments to mean they will keep an open mind and give the appeal a fair hearing. Discussion ensued concerning Mr. Schons' request for an alternate hearing body. He was advised Council was the only body that can hear SEPA appeals. • David Hawkins, 114 North 9th Street, #2, addressed the Council regarding the crime situation in Yakima and his solution through teaching personal relationships with Jesus Christ. 8. REPORT AND LEGISLATION ON POLICE STATION /LEGAL CENTER AND RECOMMENDATION FOR CONTRACT AWARD ( CONTINUED FROM 11/9/93) It was MOVED BY SEMON, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO REMOVE FROM THE TABLE, THE PREVIOUS FINANCING PACKAGE SO WE CAN DISCUSS ALL THE ITEMS. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Council Member Semon suggested rejecting all the bids and then purchasing property in the downtown area on which to build this facility, specifically, the "Wickstrom block." He suggested financing the purchase of that property by having a 5% tax on Cable TV, shift .5% of the 2% in- lieu -of -tax for Parks and raise the utility tax lid I/ from $3,000 to $4,000 and reject the increase of business license fees. He stated he would like to have the $30,000 now being spent on rent for the Legal Office be part of the financing package when the rented space is no longer required. He suggested architectural services be obtained to design a facility, working with staff and a committee of the Council to prepared the bid documents and get them out as soon as possible. Following debate on Council Member Semon's suggestion, and Resolution No. R -93 -116 having been read by 3 3 0 NOVEMBER 16, 1993 title, it was MOVED BY SEMON, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION. Verna Beggs disagreed with the tax on cable television and the siting of the facility downtown. She preferred the site at,Kiwanis Park. The question was called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. • RESOLUTION NO. R -93 -116, A RESOLUTION rejecting all I/ bids for the construction of the Yakima Police Station /Legal Center. It was MOVED BY SEMON, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO DIRECT STAFF TO ACQUIRE THE "WICKSTROM BLOCK ", BORDERED BY WALNUT, SOUTH THIRD STREET, SPRUCE, AND SOUTH 2ND STREET AND INCLUDE ADDITIONAL PROPERTY IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA FOR PARKING AND HAVE STAFF BRING BACK LEGISLATION TO ALLOW COUNCIL TO ENACT A TAX OF 5% ON CABLE TV. The motion carried by 5 -2 voice vote; Barnett and Brado voting nay. Ordinance No. 93 -104 having been read by title, it was MOVED BY SEMON, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO PASS THE ORDINANCE. The motion carried by 5 -2 roll call vote; Barnett and Brado voting nay. ORDINANCE NO. 93 - 104, AN ORDINANCE relating to licenses and business regulations; relating to occupation taxes on water supply businesses; relating to water, sewer, and garbage revenue tax; increasing tax rates applicable to sewer service receipts and public and private water and refuse business receipts; amending Subsection 4.16.180C and Sections 5.50.060 and 7.64.020, all'of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. Ordinance No. 93 -105 having been read by title, it was MOVED BY SEMON, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO PASS THE ORDINANCE. Allen Schmid, Pacific Power and Light, spoke against the motion, stating their concern is the way Council is proposing to pay for the debt service of the bonds. They feel all citizens should be paying for the debt service. He stated that Pacific Power and Light feels the ordinance raising the utility lid from $3,000 to $4,000 places an undue burden on the affected businesses. This may also affect economic development since businesses wanting to locate in Yakima look at taxes and utility costs. He suggested Council • consider raising the 0.5% transfer of the in- lieu -of tax for "- Parks to 1% to help fund this project. Council Member Semon responded to Mr. Schmid's comments by stating he spoke with most of the 20 -25 businesses that would be affected and most of them indicated this was . something they could live with. He further commented that most of the surrounding communities don't have a lid on their utilities. It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY BRADO, TO TABLE THIS FOR ONE WEEK TO ENSURE THE PROPOSED METHOD OF RAISING THIS 4 31 NOVEMBERf=t16 , 1993 ADDITIONAL .FUNDING °F,OR THE,TAX LID IS THE BEST OPTION WE HAVE TO: FUND THIS. The motion failed by 4 -3 voice vote; Berndt, Buchanan, Semon and Sims voting nay. The question was called for a vote on the original motion. The Motion carried by 4 -3 roll call vote; Barnett, I/ Beauchamp and Brado voting nay. ORDINANCE NO. 93 - 105, AN ORDINANCE relating to licenses and business regulations; amending Section 5.50.050 of the city of Yakima Municipal Code. It was MOVED BY SEMON, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO APPROPRIATE THE CURRENT $30,000 OF LEGAL OFFICE RENT TO THIS PROJECT WHEN THE MONEY BECOMES AVAILABLE. The motion carried by 5 - 2 voice vote; Barnett and Brado voting nay. It was MOVED BY SEMON, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO DIRECT STAFF TO RETAIN ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES FOR DESIGN AND GO TO BID ON THE POLICE /LEGAL CENTER AS SOON, AS POSSIBLE AND IN THIS EFFORT, COUNCIL SHOULD APPOINT AN OVER -SIGHT COMMITTEE TO WORK WITH STAFF AND THE ARCHITECTS. Charlie Eglin, 'Tri -Ply Construction, commented this is probably a great solution; however, his concern is that if an architect is hired now and goes back to the traditional bid process, that the bids could come in well over the $4.8 million original projected cost. One alternative, for Council consideration, is for Council to choose a site and let Mr. Mercy build it. Mayor Berndt clarified Mr. Eglin's comments, stating that Mr. Eglin is pleased Council has gone to the site specific plan, but he would like to see Council continue the design build process rather than the design /bid process. Following discussion regarding the failed design /build process, Council Member Brado volunteered to serve on the over -sight committee. Dan Tilley spoke in support of this new process since Council would keep control of the project. The question was called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. It was MOVED BY SEMON, SECONDED BY SIMS, THAT STAFF BE DIRECTED TO 'PREPARE LEGISLATION ON THE BOND ORDINANCES AND BRING THEM TO COUNCIL BEFORE THE YEAR'S END. The motion carried by 6 -1 voice vote; B rado voting nay. 9. PRESENTATION OF CONFERENCE OF GOVERNMENTS 1994 BUDGET I/ Following a ten minute recess, the Council reconvened at 4:15 p.m. Lon Wyrick, Conference of Governments (COG), presented the proposed 1994 budget for COG which has been reviewed by the Executive Board and the General Membership. It is about $860,000, which is up a bit from last year. It reflects programs such as the Growth Management Act. The assessment for Yakima increased by 1.3%, due to increased population. Council Member Buchanan expressed concern about the assessment in relationship with representation. Although Yakima pays a much higher assessment, Yakima has equal voting 5 32 NOVEMBER 16, 1993 power with the smaller cities who have a much lower assessment. This hurts Yakima, particularly in determining ISTEA funding. Mr. Wyrick outlined the method used to review ISTEA applications and suggested the method may be changed since it was developed locally; however, no request to look into that has been received. He stated he would provide Council with detailed information on the RTPO Committee. The process would need to be reviewed by the representatives on the Technical Advisory Committee and the Executive Board. Following a brief discussion regarding the Trip Reduction Planning process, Mr. Wyrick stated he would prepare a contract for Council consideration to develop a plan for Yakima. He also responded to Council Member Beauchamp's questions regarding COG's staffing relating to affirmative action. Phil Pleasant, 701 South 7th Avenue, stated that if COG does not have a black.person on staff, then his local government should not contract with them. It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BRADO, TO APPROVE THE COG BUDGET REQUEST. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. 10. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT FOR COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT FINANCING Following a discussion regarding the schedule of the public hearings and the scope of work involved in this contract, and Resolution No. R -93 -117 having been read by title, it was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION. The motion carried by 6 -1 roll call vote; Brado voting nay. RESOLUTION NO. R - 93 - 117, A RESOLUTION authorizing the execution of an agreement for professional economic and financial consulting services regarding community redevelopment financing. *11. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF OPERATING AGREEMENT WITH THE CAPITOL THEATRE RESOLUTION NO. R - 93 - 118, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute a revised operating Agreement with Capitol Theatre Committee, Inc. for the operation of the Capitol Theatre. *12. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION ADOPTING A GROWTH MANAGEMENT (GMA) REGIONAL STRATEGY RESOLUTION NO. R - 93 - 119, A RESOLUTION approving the 1994 Regional Strategy for implementing the Growth Management Act in Yakima County. *13. APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 1993 BUDGET REPORT The October 1993 Budget Report was approved. 6 33 NOVEMBER16, 1993 *14. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1993 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR PURCHASE OF MATERIALS FOR NEW WATER SERVICE An Ordinance amending the 1993 budget and appropriating funds I/ for the purchase of materials for new water services, having been read by title only at the previous meeting, was brought before the Council for a second reading. ORDINANCE NO. 93 - 106, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1993 budget for the City of Yakima; and making an appropriation of $115,000 in the Water Operating Fund for expenditure during 1993 for the purchase of new water service material. 15. OTHER BUSINESS Council Member Buchanan gave an updated report on the campaign to keep radar at the Yakima Airport. He stated someone commented to him that while tower staff has been cut, the staff at the Airport office has increased by 300%. Council Member Sims,requested staff to review a request he received for a flashing light at 12th Avenue and Chestnut by St. Paul's school. Referring to a petition in the Council packet requesting a left turn signal at 1st and "B" 'Streets, Council Member Buchanan requested information on the cost to install that signal and questioned,if it" -would be possible to simply prohibit left turns at that intersection. Information Items: Items of information supplied to Council were: Monthly Project Report for the Yakima Railroad Area for October 1993; Traffic Engineering Citizen Request and Activity Report for October 1993; Memorandum from City Pretreatment Specialist regarding New Federal Pretreatment Category. 10/21/93; Agenda for the October 11, 1993 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting and agenda for its November 15, 1993 meeting; Agenda for the. November 15, 1993 COG Executive Committee meeting and minutes of its October 18, I/ 1993 meeting; Minutes of the October 5, 1993 Substance Abuse Coalition Board of Directors meeting;. and Yakima Gateway Newsletter, Issue No. 5, October 1993. 7 34 NOVEMBER 16, 1993 16. ADJOURNMENT TO. NOVEMBER 23, 1993 ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:30 A.M. AT THE YAKIMA CENTER FOR MEETING WITH COUNTY COMMISSIONERS REGARDING AIRPORT SHORT PLAT'; THEN TO NOVEMBER 23, 1993 AT 9:00 A.M., COUNCIL CHAMBERS, FOR BUDGET STUDY SESSION (PARKS & RECREATION, TRANSIT, REFUSE, STREETS AND PUBLIC WORKS) Mayor Berndt reported the County asked to postpone the scheduled meeting with them on November 23rd. II There being no further business to come before the Council, i t' _ways a-MOV °Eb BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, TO ADJOURN THE MEE=TING AT 4:55 P . M. , TO THEN MEET AGAIN *AT OA 4 ON NOVEMBER 23, 19 9 3 FOR BUDGET STUDY 'SESS.ION:. The motion car ried. y unanimous voice vote. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: C� d t . . tr - - 3 - 7 _9 COUNCIL MEMBER DATE --1-04 3 — g — Qf COUNCIL MEMBE DATE ATTEST: /4CLA--(2- „j /2 Q 4i..,...ete CITY CLERK MAYOR An audio and video tape of this meeting are available in the City Clerk's Office • 8