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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/08/1994 Business Meeting 184 CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON MARCH 8, 1994 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, Ernie Berger, Bill Brado, Lynn Buchanan, and Bernard Sims present on roll call. City Manager Zais, City Attorney Paolella, and City Clerk Roberts also present. Mayor Berndt introduced LIFT student, Alma Montes de Oca. 2. INVOCATION /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Alma Montes de Oca. 3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER A. PROCLAMATIONS (IF APPLICABLE) Council Member Barnett presented a proclamation to Jules Shockley declaring March 13, 1994 as Chocolate Fantasy Day. Mayor Berndt commented that for Community Development Week this year, the group will have a reception at the Capitol Theatre to recognize the different groups who have helped. She encouraged Council members to mark their calendars to attend this event on April 7th at 7:00 p.m. Council Member Buchanan gave a report on the Trade Mission to Mexico City he and Council Member Beauchamp attended. He indicated there is a big market for agricultural business. The Trade Mission contingent promoted the Yakima Agricultural Showcase in Yakima and there was talk about a direct flight to Yakima from Mexico for that event. It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO APPOINT SKIP SEMON AND SHEILA KLEEMAN TO FILL TWO OF THE THREE VACANCIES ON THE YAKIMA CENTER ADVISORY COMMISSION. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. 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 MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA, 185 MARCH 1994 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.) I/ 5. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Walt Ranta, 5 South 32nd Avenue, questioned Council about future programs planned for the youth to keep them involved in wholesome activities. He urged Council to include the youth in any planning efforts. Mayor Berndt responded that the Task Force has not completed their mission with the passage of the curfew and cruising ordinances; they are also looking at ways to expand and enhance youth activities. She stated the biggest challenge is letting the kids know what the Task Force is doing. Government is not going to solve all these problems since it doesn't have the money, and it has to be a community -based solution. She suggested the kids come up with ideas and bring them to. the Task Force or Council. Phil Pleasant, black community advocate, expressed his disappointment in the action Council took last week regarding the passage of the curfew and cruising ordinances without giving the youth an opportunity to become involved. Many of the youth who testified either suggested possible solutions or asked for additional time to bring solutions, but Council passed the ordinances anyway. Terry Keller, 611 W Mead, stated his concern about the proposed action on the trolleys. He stated he understands the proposed fare on the trolleys will go toward building restrooms at the Transit Transfer Center. He stated the free trolley is a great theme for this City and the restrooms will only be vandalized. He would rather have the fare on the transit system raised than institute a fare on the trolleys. 6. REPORT AND REVIEW OF AIRPORT PLANNING ACTIVITIES: A. AIRPORT MASTER PLAN STATUS Mayor Berndt announced the purpose of this discussion is to give an update on the progress of the Airport Master Plan; it is not a public hearing on the Master Plan. Bruce Loy, I/ Airport Manager, commented that Airport Master Plans are mandated by the FAA and are typically updated every five to seven years. They are utilized as a guideline for development of future capital expenditures. The Vision 2010 statement indicated the airport would be an economic development tool for the community and it mentioned international trade. The third phase of the Plan will be ready this week. That report will be reviewed by the Airport Board and then be submitted to the City Council and County Commissioners. A controversial issue is the extension of 2 186 MARCH 8, 1994 Runway 9 -27. The FAA agreed with the Plan for that extension, but they want justification. If the extension is not in the Master Plan, the FAA would not consider it for funding even if it is necessary for a new business. Council members discussed the issue of increased residential growth in the airport vicinity, expressing concern about the potential of having to purchase developed property at a later I/ date which is currently undeveloped. Concern was also expressed by Council Member Brado about taking away property rights without compensating the property owner. Council Member Buchanan stated the better proposal is to purchase land or air rights rather than purchase completed housing. Mr. Loy stated there will be a third public hearing on the Airport Master Plan. City staff has indicated a desire for a joint City /County /Airport Board public hearing after the Master Plan has been approved by FAA. He stated he would like to conduct that public hearing after the Airport Board's public meeting and after they receive the final copy of the Master Plan. Council Member Barnett stated that one of the issues is who is going to be the lead agency. Glenn Valenzuela, Director of Community and Economic Development Department, stated that staff's recommendation is that the City and County staff meet to make a joint recommendation as far as who will take the lead for the environmental review. B. SHORT PLAT ISSUES AND THE FUTURE OF THE YAKIMA AIR TERMINAL Mr. Loy clarified an issue by stating he did not recommend to anyone to seek a moratorium for land use in the vicinity of the airport. He stated he gave the Airport Board a recommendation to not approve short plat requests if that property may be necessary for future airport expansion. He stated Dick Anderwald, Yakima County Planning Director, had explained that a short plat within the airport overlay district goes into a secondary review process. The County Planning staff reviews several issues, one of which concerns the Airport Master Plan, and that is a missing link. That is the issue. He presented Council with three aerial photographs of the airport area depicting the growth of the area from 1938 to 1955, to 1974. He stated there has been encroachment to the south and by the north /south runway. He stated they are trying to provide compatibility with the community. Bill Almon, Airport Board, stated he want to underscore a couple of key points made by Mr. Loy. The I/ Airport Board members are cognizant of the fact that they serve at the pleasure of the City Council and County Commissioners. The Board doesn't make the decisions on where the airport will go in the future. By adopting a new Airport Master Plan, they can determine how many businesses will be in the valley and how many aircraft will come in here. The Board has no taxing authority to expand the airport runway. Referencing subdivision of property close to the airport, he stated that property rights are inherent. Since he became a 3 187 MARCH 1994 member of the Airport Board,he..stated they have tried to raise a signal that at some point property close to the airport will have to be purchased by the City and County. He recommended the acquisition of property around the airport even if there is no future runway extension. Mayor Berndt I/ asked if this presentation was made to the County. Mr. Almon replied that they have not done so yet. Mayor Berndt suggested the Board do that. Council Member Beauchamp expressed his desire that the County be contacted so they understand the City is not trying to force this issue. Council Member Barnett stated he received an information packet which included a recommendation that Council encourage the Commissioners to implement a moratorium for property by the airport. Mr. Almon stated it would be appropriate for the City and County to consider a short -term moratorium, perhaps until the Master Plan is in place. Council Member Berger stated he doesn't think the City should make that decision alone; it should be made in conjunction with the County. Jerry Sturgill, United Builders and Central Washington Home Builders Association, stated they are in favor of airport expansion; however, they have some questions about property rights, which were partially addressed earlier. He suggested Council consider replacing any property that will be removed from development with property elsewhere in the City with like zoning. He recommended that Council ask representatives from the development or real estate profession be involved in this process. Mr. Valenzuela summed up today's discussion by stating the Airport Master Plan needs to be done, considering the environmental impact issues. ' :Staff believes there is a need for additional public informational meetings. The Airport Board should put together an advertisement'supplement in the paper, explaining the Master Plan. Regarding short plats, staff was not suggesting Council ask the County for a moratorium, but to discuss short plat issues. If there is a moratorium, it needs to be a short -term moratorium with an ending date. Jake Rufer, 1323 South 38th Avenue, stated it was the first time he heard Bruce Loy say one of the reasons for the Master Plan is to protect the residents and not just the airport. Residents also need protection from the airport. The County has already allowed certain development to come in that may be destroying the willows on the Wide Hollow Creek. I/ 7. REPORT AND LEGISLATION FROM COUNCIL TRANSIT COMMITTEE RE: A. RESTROOMS AT TRANSIT TRANSFER CENTER It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY BARNETT, TO MOVE FORWARD WITH PLACEMENT OF RESTROOMS AT THE TRANSIT TRANSFER CENTER, USING THE STEEL CONSTRUCTION. Council Member Beauchamp recommended the purchase of surveillance cameras rather than contracting with a security company. Council Member Buchanan commented that 4 188 MARCH 8, 1994 if surveillance cameras are utilized, then there should also be a roving patrol. Council members discussed the design of the restrooms, expenses and budget for this project, an offer by a citizen to maintain the area in exchange for a concession area, and vandalism. Richard Andring, 203 South 8th Avenue, stated he thinks the construction of the restrooms should be the same material as the $2 million dollar Transit Transfer Center. Council Member Brado clarified that only the interior of the restrooms will be I/ steel. Mr. Andring suggested a thirty -five cent fare for the trolleys, the same as the bus fare, and permit transfers from one system to the other. Marcel Delchambre, 3601 South Fairbanks Avenue, commented he is a teacher and does volunteer community work, especially with youth in trouble. He complimented Council for their excellent job with the curfew ordinance. He expressed concern about constructing a public restroom which will be a target for graffiti. He stated it is not the right time to do this even though he believes a public restroom is necessary. City Manager Zais clarified the estimated costs at approximately $44,000. He stated here is approximately $75,000 available in the Transit Transfer Center project fund; however, the operating and vandalism costs would come from Transit's operating fund. The question was called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by 5 - 2 voice vote; Buchanan and'Sims voting nay. It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO NEGOTIATE THE CAMERA SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM AND HAVE IT COVER THE 'EXISTING BUILDING AND ENTRANCE OF THE RESTROOMS. Bill Schultz, Transit Manager, stated the estimate provides for surveillance of the entire site. Council Member Berger also requested staff research the possibility of a concession stand there and in lieu of a lease fee, the concessionaire could keep the area clean. Mayor Berndt commented that the concession would be a portable business since the City would not provide a concession stand. The question was called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. B. CONSIDERATION ESTABLISHING A FARE FOR THE DOWNTOWN TROLLEY SERVICE Council Member Berger stated he is in favor of a fare on the trolley. He commented that the capital budget is nearly exhausted and a fare would give the user some feeling of responsibility. He stated a fare will also establish the I/ true need for the trolley. Council members considered the use of the trolleys, not only for tourism, but as part of the regular transit route. Council Member Buchanan suggested the bus passes and fare be transferable between the two systems. Director of Public Works Copeland described staff's recommendation to place a twenty -five cent fare on the trolley and allow transfers, but keep the other fare and pass rates the same. He stated a small amount of revenue would be lost due to the difference in the fares. It was MOVED BY 5 189 MARCH ,8 1994 BERGER, SECONDED BY BARNETT,, THAT THE FARE BE TWENTY - FIVE CENTS AND :ACCEPT THE STAFF RECOMMENDATION REGARDING THE TRANSFER PASSES BEING USED WITH THE TROLLEY. The motion carried by 4 -3 voice vote; Berndt, Buchanan and Sims voting nay. Resolution No. R -94 -23 having been read by title, it was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION. The motion carried by 4 - 3 roll call vote; Berndt, Buchanan and Sims voting nay. RESOLUTION NO. R 94 - 23, A RESOLUTION modifying the City of Yakima Transit System fare structure to establish a fare of $.25 on the Yakima Downtown Trolley Service. *8. STATUS REPORT REGARDING CITIZENS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS AND SCHEDULE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS The report from the Citizens Capital Improvement Committee and its recommendation to schedule a series of public meetings were accepted. _ *9. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION SETTING DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING FOR APRIL 12, 1994 ON THE 1994 IRRIGATION MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT ROLL (Continued from 3/1/94) RESOLUTION NO. R- 94 -24, A RESOLUTION setting a date for hearing on the confirmation of the irrigation maintenance assessment roll for the year 1994. *10. REPORT ON 1994 FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE ISSUES The staff report was accepted and the City's 1994 Federal Legislative issues were adopted. *11. APPROVAL OF 1993 4TH QUARTER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM STATUS REPORT The 1993 4th Quarter Capital Improvement Program status report was approved. *12. STATUS REPORT ON GROWTH MANAGEMENT PLANNING PROCESS The Growth Management Plan status report was accepted. 1/ *13. PRESENTATION OF POLICE DEPARTMENT 1993 ANNUAL REPORT The Police Department 1993 Annual Report was accepted. 6 190 MARCH 8, 1994 *14. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1994 BUDGET AND MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR 1993 YEAR -END ENCUMBRANCES An Ordinance amending the T994 Budget and making appropriations for 1993 year -end encumbrances, having been read by title only at the prev meeting, was brought before the Council for a second rading. I/ ORDINANCE NO. 94 -12, AN OPr±TNANCE amending the 1994 budget for the City of Yakima; slaking appropriations for 1993 Year -End Encumbrances from Vappropriated Fund Balances within various Funds for expenditure during 1994. 15. OTHER BUSINESS' Following Mt. V44.en.zuela" s suggestion, April 5th was scheduled a's the date to consider the decision on the GreenWay SEPA Appeal. Council Member Brado explained he was not aware he would be a part of the final decision - making process since he was scheduled out of town when the decision was originally scheduled to be made. He stated that following the initial hearing he made some comments which would prevent his further participation in this process under the appearance of fairness doctrine. Information Items: Items of information supplied to Council were: Invitation from West Valley School District to attend the District's production of WASHINGTON FOR ME on March 22nd. 2/25/94; Letter to Mayor Berndt from Suen Hannon, student at Wilson Middle School regarding recycling. 2/17/94; Memo to the Mayor regarding telephone commendation of Police and E.M.S. 3/1/94; Agenda for March 10, 1994 Yakima Hearing Examiner meeting; Traffic Engineering Citizen Request and Activity Report for February 1994; Legal Department Monthly Report for January 1994; Memorandum from Legal Department regarding Damage Claims Referred to Insurance Company. 3/3/94; Monthly reports from Human Resources regarding recruitment and hiring status for February 1994; Assignments Pending in Office of Environmental Planning as of March 8, 1994; Permit Center Monthly Report for February 1994; Article from February 21, 1994 Nation's Cities Weekly, "Mandate Watch: Progress and Problems on Unfunded Mandates "; and Association of Washington Cities 1994 Events Calendar, March -June 1994. I/ 7 191 MARCH 8, 1994 i.Tah. 16. ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business to come before the Council, • the meeting adjourned at 4:25 p.m. II READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: O C UN - 'L MEMBER 'BATE • CC, . COUNCIL MEMBER DATE ATTEST: CITY CLERK MAYOR An audio and video tape of this meeting are available in the City Clerk's Office 8