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,
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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*13. PRESENTATION OF POLICE DEPARTMENT 1993 ANNUAL REPORT
The Police Department 1993 Annual Report was accepted.
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*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.
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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.
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i.Tah.
16. ADJOURNMENT -
There being no further business to come before the Council, •
the meeting adjourned at 4:25 p.m.
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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
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