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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/10/1995 Business Meeting 76 CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON JANUARY 10, 1995 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, Mayor Pat Berndt, presiding, Council Members Clarence Barnett, Henry Beauchamp (present after 2:10 p.m.), Ernie Berger, Bill Brado, and Bernard Sims present on roll call. Council Member Lynn Buchanan absent and excused. City Manager Zais, City Attorney Paolella, Acting City Clerk Skovald, and Acting Deputy City Clerk Thompson also present. 2. INVOCATION /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by City Attorney Paolella. 3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER A. Proclamations (If Applicable) Wendy Warren, Cable Communications Manager, introduced Frank Fetters, Chairman of the Cable Advisory Committee. Mr. Fetters submitted the following names of persons as prospective members of the Cable Advisory Committee: Ricardo Barrientes, Bev Luby Bartz, Dan Enriquez, Marc LeCuyer, Larry Matthews, and Phil Pleasant. Mr. Fetters encouraged Council to make the necessary appointments to fill the vacancies on the Cable Advisory Committee. Council Member Sims reported the Yakama Indian Nation is seeking State status under the Clean Water Act with regard to the Yakima River. Chris Waarvick, Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent, explained some of the possible ramifications that could occur and what this means to the City with regard to water quality issues. City Attorney Ray Paolella suggested staff continue researching this matter in case Council decides to submit comments concerning the Yakama Indian Nation's application. Referring to a recent fire at 215 South 6th Street, Mayor Berndt questioned staff about smoke alarm requirements. Jack Lovell, Supervising Code Inspector, provided explanation I/ about the requirements along with Code Administration inspection standards for apartment buildings. Council Member Brado pointed out that there is a state law that requires the landlord to provide an operating smoke detector, and the individual renting the unit has to be instructed on the maintenance and operation of the unit. Al Chronister, Fire Chief, emphasized the importance of proper maintenance and operation of smoke detectors. JANUARY 10, 1995 7 7 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. I/ The Acting City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances by title. It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA, AS READ, BE ADOPTED. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote; Buchanan absent. (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 NOVEMBER 29, 1994 ADJOURNED MEETING, DECEMBER 6, 1994 ADJOURNED MEETING (BUDGET WRAP -UP), AND DECEMBER 22, 1994 SPECIAL MEETING The minutes of the November 29, and December 6, 1994 Adjourned Meetings, and the December 22, 1994 Special Meeting, were approved, having been duly certified accurate by two Council members and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly. 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATION FROM THE YAKIMA BICYCLE /PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE After introducing members of the Bicycle /Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Neil McClure, Chairman, reviewed his report. He identified and described areas . in the report the Committee has concentrated on, including Recreation, Schools and Parks, and the Commuting Transportation Aspect. The Committee is currently working on a bicycle - pedestrian comprehensive plan with completion expected by late spring of 1995. Mr. McClure also conveyed the Committee's desire to participate in any street bond issues planned for the future. There were comments and questions from Council members about the bicycle /pedestrian routes as they tie into the Gateway Project. Mr. McClure indicated the Committee's willingness to participate in this project also. Mayor Berndt thanked the Committee members for all the time I/ they have spent working on the new Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. 7. SPECIAL PRESENTATION FROM THE STREET FUND REVIEW COMMITTEE Dan Arnett, Chairman of the Street Fund Review Committee referred to his report in the Council packet and provided a brief history of the Committee. Both service oriented and administrative type programs were reviewed within the City's Street and Traffic Engineering Divisions. The Committee B -Daily 2 78 JANUARY 10, 1995 recommends enhanced spending in some areas, decreased spending in other areas, and elimination of some programs. They also recommend that some programs be reinstated. The Committee suggested the Council use their recommendations to balance the budget and help handle some of the areas recommended for reinstatement. Mr. Arnett stated the goal of the Committee is to see the recommendations considered as a part of the 1996 budget. Mr. Arnett indicated that many of I/ the citizen committee members feel this Division has been well run, considering the amount of available revenue and the assigned tasks; very few programs should be cut. Mr. Arnett commended staff for a job well done. Following a brief discussion, there was a consensus among Council members to devote an entire morning study session to review the report. Mr. Arnett and /or the Committee should also attend and review the recommendations. Council Member Barnett submitted a list of questions to staff regarding the recommendations in the report. The study session is to be scheduled, preferably before the end of February, after staff has responded to the questions. 8. PUBLIC HEARING ON THE 1995 ADA TRANSIT PLAN UPDATE (SEE RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE UPDATED PLAN) This being the time set for the public hearing, Bill Schultz, Transit Manager, presented a brief overview of the Americans With Disabilities Act Plan Update for 1995. Heals() provided a brief history of the original plan adopted in 1992, which has been annually updated. The City is currently in compliance, particularly in regard to the Dial -A -Ride Program. The service requirements that are stipulated in the regulations have been met. The long range goal is to make the entire system accessible to people with disabilities. Council Member Barnett questioned the dramatic increase in trips in 1994 as compared with 1993. Mr. Schultz explained the increase is primarily in system usage. The number of eligible riders has increased slightly, but use of the system has increased dramatically. Mayor Berndt opened the public hearing and asked for any one present wishing to comment on the Plan. There being no one, she closed the public hearing. It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, THAT THE RESOLUTION APPROVING AND I/ ADOPTING THE ADA UPDATED PLAN BE APPROVED AS READ. The motion passed by unanimous roll call vote; Buchanan absent. RESOLUTION NO. R - 95 - 1, A RESOLUTION approving and adopting an updated plan to meet Federal Transit Administration Service requirements for complementary para transit service consistent with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990. B -Daily 3 79 JANUARY .10, 1995 9. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Hector Franco, 24 South 3rd Avenue, expressed disagreement with the Community Development policies and procedures concerning Urban Development Action Grant (UDAG) and Community Development Block'Grant (CBDG) funds. He requested review of the Community Development Advisory Committee relating to appointments and topics considered by the Committee. He also asked Council to consider spending $50,000 of UDAG or CBDG funds to help save Washington Middle School. Betty Gaudette, 701 North 6th Street, requested Council review the current committee list because it shows resignations from over two years ago. She would also like to see more input from the people who live in the area. She thanked the Council for the recent irrigation funds made available for her area. Ms. Gaudette also stated she feels too much of the available money is spent on housing. She feels current housing needs to be made livable rather than adding more housing. Mayor Berndt explained the differences between CBDG funds and UDAG funds, particularly the parameters on how it can be spent. Mayor Berndt also provided Ms. Gaudette with a current committee list and encouraged those people interested in serving to turn their applications in. Bev Luby Bartz, 114 North 7th Street, expressed concern about those who have applied 'for the Community Development Economic Committee and the vacancies that have not been filled. Robert Owen, 405 North 4th Street #5, expressed his views that the Council should be meeting more than twice a month. He feels the Council should return to weekly meetings. There was brief discussion between Mayor Berndt and Council Member Berger about the Council meeting schedule. Maud Scott, 309 South 8th Street, urged Council to reassess the CDBG budget-, devote more funding to irrigation or other areas, and limit the Housing Division's portion to 50 percent of the total CBDG funds. I/ Hector Franco was confused about the differences between CDBG and UDAG moneys. He questioned whether UDAG money has the same requirements as CDBG money. City Manager Zais explained the restrictions on UDAG funds which are more substantial the first time they are used. The funds are then recycled and used again. The restrictions on those recycled funds fall off, and they become more general purpose -type revenues which are allocated at the Council's discretion, not requiring committee review. Mr. Franco stated he feels there should be more community input in the use of these funds. B -Daily 4 8.0 JANUARY 10, 1995 Phil Pleasant, 701 South 7th Avenue, spoke in favor of new multi - family dwelling opportunities for the Southeast Yakima Neighborhood as opposed to moving old houses in from other areas. Mr. Pleasant also supported the idea of converting the old Washington Middle School building to a community center for arts and sciences. He requested Council designate CDBG funds to buy the building. Council Member Beauchamp explained the strategy to promote home ownership for the Southeast Yakima Neighborhood. There . was continued discussion among Council members and Mr. Pleasant about his concerns and requests. The following item was considered out of sequence on the agenda. 20. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE TRAFFIC CODE TO LOWER SPEED LIMITS ON ENGLEWOOD AVENUE. David Lantis, 5205 Englewood, reminded the Council that at their last meeting they decided to lower the speed limit on Englewood Avenue to 25 MPH. Neal Coffey, 7001 Englewood Avenue, stated he didn't realize that this was an item on the last meeting agenda, but he has since met with Shelley Willson from Traffic Engineering and has read the traffic report and petitions. He expressed his opposition to the new stop signs and the reduction of the speed limit. He agrees with stepping up enforcement of the current speed limit on Englewood Avenue. Mr. Coffey also agrees with Traffic Engineering that Englewood Avenue is a collector arterial that should not have stop signs in various locations. He thinks 30 MPH enforced would be fine and suggested placing a no -thru truck sign to keep trucks from traveling on Englewood Avenue. He also feels widening the street would be a viable idea. Mr. Coffey volunteered to work with Traffic Engineering and the petitioners to try to work out a better solution for everyone. Vic Granholm, 6604 Englewood Avenue, spoke against the recently installed stop signs because he believes they've increased traffic by Gilbert School on Lincoln Avenue. Mr. Lantis stated he has noticed a change in the traffic patterns since the stop signs were installed. He believes the lowered speed limit will improve the traffic situation. Several of the Council members stated they have had calls I/ from citizens regarding the new stop signs and the proposed speed limit change. Council Member Barnett asked staff how soon they thought they could make shoulder improvements to Englewood Avenue. B -Daily 5 JANUARY 10, 1995 8 1 Y 7 Dave Hussell, Street, and Traffic Operations Manager, estimated early spring as the 'tim'e' frame for the shoulder improvements. After continued discussion, it was MOVED BY BERGER, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, TO TABLE THE VOTE ON THE SPEED LIMIT ORDINANCE I/ UNTIL THE SHOULDER WORK ON ENGLEWOOD AVENUE IS IMPROVED. The motion carried by a 4 -2 voice vote; Berndt and Sims voting nay; Buchanan absent. 10. REVIEW OF COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL It was the consensus of the Council to make the following changes in the current list of boards and commissions: Conference of Governments - ,..RPC representative was removed from the list. Downtown Area Redevelopment Committee - Henry Beauchamp will remain the representative; Bill Brado was added as alternate. Local Emergency Planning Committee and Executive Board - Staff was directed to determine whether these are active committees. Yakima - Kittitas Reservoir Conservation and Economic Development - Staff was directed to determine whether this is an active committee. District Court Committee for Yakima County - Staff was directed to determine whether this is an active committee. Yakima County EMS Task Force. - Staff was directed to determine whether this is an active committee. Westside Merchants - Council Member Berger replaces Council Member Brado. Air Terminal Board - Council will check with Council Member Buchanan to determine whether he would like to be the designee and Council Member Barnett the alternate on this committee. Joint Basin Board - It was noted that this board meets once a month, usually on the last Friday of the month. Economic Development Council Committee - Council Member Beauchamp replaces Council Member Brado; Council Member Berger replaces Mayor Berndt. Tobacco Use Committee - This committee has been eliminated. Visioning Yakima 2010 Review Committee - This committee has I/ been eliminated. Street Fund Review Committee - This committee has been eliminated. Yakima County Substance Abuse Committee - This committee has been eliminated. Council Member Barnett commented that the Community Programming Advisory Committee only shows one application on file and yet Mr. Fetters indicated there are five vacancies. B -Daily 6 82 JANUARY 10, 1995 Council Member Sims requested copies of all the applications on file for this committee to review. The Council requested current committee lists for their Council books. Mayor Berndt announced Council Member Beauchamp will chair the newly formed Council Neighborhood Solutions Committee. I/ Council Members Buchanan and Berger will also serve on the committee. The committee will include one representative from the Homebuilders Association, one representative from YCDA, and one Rental Association member. The staff for the committee will be Glenn Valenzuela, Director of Community and Economic Development; and Joan Davenport, Supervising Associate Planner. Council Member Barnett called attention to the need for drastic change in the verbiage and also the approach of the Growth Management Act. These changes are needed to accommodate neighborhood direction relating to housing issues. Mayor Berndt reminded the Council members that if they are the Chairman of these committees, it is their responsibility to call committee meetings and to fill the vacancies on the committees. The Council directed staff to update the list of Boards and Commissions and to advertise for applicants for the vacant positions. *11. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT WITH THE CITY OF TOPPENISH AND TOPPENISH SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR D.A.R.E. SERVICES RESOLUTION NO. R -95 -2, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to execute the D.A.R.E. Program Agreement with the Toppenish School District. *12. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE HEARING EXAMINER RECOMMENDATION TO DENY THE REZONE REQUESTED BY ALISON AND BILL MACLEAN RESOLUTION NO. R -95 -3, A RESOLUTION denying a rezone requested by Alison and Bill MacLean (UAZO RZ 4 -94). *13. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF I/ CORRECTED CONTRACT WITH YAKIMA COUNTY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION. RESOLUTION NO. R -95 -4, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager and the City Clerk to execute a corrected version of the contract with the Yakima County Development Association for public sector services which was previously approved by Council. B -Daily 7 8.3 JANUARY 10, 1995 *14. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF PERMIT AGREEMENT WITH THE WASHINGTON CENTRAL RAILROAD COMPANY AND BURLINGTON NORTHERN RAILROAD COMPANY TO OBTAIN A SANITARY SEWER PIPELINE PERMIT. I/ RESOLUTION NO. R - 95 - 5, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager and City Clerk of the. City of Yakima to execute a permit agreement between the City of Yakima and Washington Central Railroad Company and Burlington Northern Railroad Company for the purpose of obtaining a sanitary sewer pipeline permit. *15. CONSIDERATION OF LEGISLATION RELATING TO HEARING EXAMINER PRO -TEM SERVICES A. RESOLUTION APPOINTING JAMES K. ADAMS AS HEARING EXAMINER PRO TEM. RESOLUTION NO. R - 95 - 6, A RESOLUTION appointing James K. Adams as Hearing Examiner Pro Tem. B. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT WITH JAMES K. ADAMS. RESOLUTION NO. R - 95 - 7, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute a Professional Services Contract between the City of Yakima and James K. Adams as the Yakima Urban Area Hearing Examiner Pro Tem. *16. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF CONTRACT WITH THE WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING FOR THE PROVISION OF ACCESS TO VEHICLE AND VESSEL RECORD INFORMATION RESOLUTION NO. R - 95 - 8, A RESOLUTION authorizing the execution of a contract with the Washington State Department of Licensing for the provision of access to vehicle and vessel record information, including descriptions and ownership. *17. SET DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR JANUARY 24, 1995 ON STREET VACATION REQUESTED BY WILLIAM ASH. January 24, 1995 was set as the date of the public hearing to consider the Hearing Examiner's recommendation to approve the I/ vacation of undeveloped public right -of -way for North 8th Avenue from "J" Street north to the Washington Central Railroad property abutting,Madison Avenue for the proposed building project located at 619 North "J" Street. *18. SET DATE OF PUBLIC MEETING FOR JANUARY 24, 1995 on the ENGLEWOOD SQUARE SUBDIVISION. January 24, 1995 was set as the date of the .public meeting to consider the Hearing Examiner's recommendation to approve the B -Daily 8 84 JANUARY 10, 1995 preliminary plat for an eight (8) lot, common wall subdivision known as "Englewood Square" located West of 34th Avenue between Englewood and Fairbanks Avenue. Assessor's parcel number 181315 - 44439. *19. APPROVAL OF FINAL CONTRACT PAYMENTS (STANDARD MOTION V -B -- ACCEPT CONTRACT AND APPROVE FINAL PAYMENT). A. DEMOLITION AND SITE PREPARATION FOR POLICE STATION /LEGAL CENTER. The report from the City Engineer, dated December 16, 1994, with respect to the completion of work on the Demolition and Site Preparation for the Police Station /Legal Center, performed by Russell Crane Services, Inc., was approved, the work accepted and payment of the final estimate as therein set forth was authorized. B. CBD LIGHTING MODIFICATION The report from the City Engineer, dated December 20, 1994, with respect to the completion of work on the CBD Lighting Modifications, performed by Knobel's Electric, was approved, the work accepted and payment of the final estimate as therein set forth was authorized. C. GAILLEON PARK CANAL COVERS The report from the City Engineer, dated December 20, 1994, with respect to the completion of work on the Gailleon Park Canal Covers, performed by J. C. Noel Construction, was . approved, the work accepted and payment of the final estimate as therein set forth was authorized. *21. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE DELETING REQUIREMENT THAT TRAINS NOT SOUND WHISTLE OR BELL AT TRACK CROSSING ON NORTH 1ST STREET AT "G" STREET AND ON NORTH 1ST STREET AT "H" STREET. ORDINANCE NO. 95 - 1, AN ORDINANCE relating to traffic; auto stages and railway trains; deleting the requirement that trains not sound a whistle or bell at the track crossing on North First Street at "G" Street and on North First Street at "H" Street; and repealing Section 9.55.040 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. *22. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1994 BUDGET AND I/ APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE FIRE RELIEF AND PENSION FUND. ORDINANCE NO. 95 - 2, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1994 budget for the City of Yakima; and making an . appropriation of $10,000 in the Firemen's Relief and Pension Fund for expenditure during 1994 for additional medical costs. B -Daily 9 JANUARY 10 1995 8 5 • J , 23. OTHER BUSINESS City Manager Zais briefly provided Council with an update to the federal legislative priorities list asking if Council wished to add anything more to the list. He stated Mayor Berndt mentioned an item that has been discussed before and I/ can be added regarding appeal or amendment to the Davis -Bacon Act on the prevailing wage issue. The list will be updated and sent to our Congressional leadership. Council Member Barnett requested an update on the figures for the Armory. City Manager Zais reported Chief Green is working on the final figure; it is estimated to be between $130,000 and $150,000 for the total package. Council Member Brado informed Council he would be in Olympia next week if anyone has any issues they would like him to address while he is 'there. Mayor Berndt reminded the Council if they are planning to attend AWC in Olympia in February the need to let staff know so accommodations may be made. Information Items Items of information supplied to Council were: News Release regarding Construction Advisory for the week of January 9 -10, 1995; memorandum from COG regarding Election of YVCOG Executive Committee Members. 12/29/94; agenda for January 9, 1995 Westside Merchants and Business Association - Downtown meeting; agenda for January 12, 1995 Hearing Examiner meeting; Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Scheduled Activities; agenda for the January 9, 1995 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting and minutes of its December 12, 1994 meeting; Rebound Plus Monthly Report for December 1994; Legal Department Monthly Report for November 1994; assignments pending in Office of Environmental Planning as of January 10, 1995; Code Administration Office Monthly Report for December 1994; Yakima County Development Association Staff Report: November 23- December 16, 1994; minutes of the December 1, 1994 Downtown Area Redevelopment Committee meeting; In Our Scope, New Vision newsletter for December 1994; 1994 Mandate Catalog published by National Conference of State Legislatures; December 1994; Letter from University of Washington transmitting report on ways the University of Washington benefits the State's economy. 1/3/95. I/ 24. EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING (Allow 20 Minutes): A. 'DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY IN VICINITY OF PP &L CANAL B. PROPERTY ACQUISITION IN CBD C. PENDING LITIGATION /OSBORNE VS. CITY OF YAKIMA D. CONSIDERATION OF OFFER TO PURCHASE PROPERTY AT NOB HILL BLVD. AND 32ND AVENUE B -Daily 10 86 JANUARY 10, 1995 It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BARNETT, TO MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING THE ABOVE REFERENCED SUBJECTS, WITH IMMEDIATE ADJOURNMENT THEREAFTER. The motion carrier by unanimous voice vote; Buchanan absent. 25. ADJOURNMENT Following the conclusion of the Executive Session, the meeting adjourned at 4:50 p.m. to January 24, 1995, at 7:30 a.m., at the Yakima Center Board Room for a Joint Meeting with the County Commissioner READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: k_ .c,"' • /0—/ 2-9s COUNCI AMBER, DATE COUNT IL MEMBER" DATE ATTEST: '''6/6(1171//4 AC'11 f/ NG CITY CLERK MAYOR Minutes prepared by Acting Deputy City Clerk Thompson; an audio and video tape of this meeting are available in the City Clerk's Office. 1 B -Daily 11