HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/05/1996 Adjourned Meeting 459
CITY OF YAKIMA ,WASHINGTON
MARCH 5, 1996
ADJOURNED MEETING
The City Council met on this date at 7:00 a.m. at the Yakima
Center, Yakima, Washington. Mayor Lynn Buchanan, presiding,
I/ Council Members Henry Beauchamp, Ernie Berger, John Klingele,
John Puccinelli, and Bernard Sims present on roll call. Council
Member Clarence Barnett absent and excused. Staff members
present were City Manager Zais, Assistant City Manager Rice, City
Attorney Paolella, Assistant City Attorney Peterson, Glenn
Valenzuela, Director of Community and Economic Development, Al
Chronister, Fire Chief, Bill Schultz, Transit Manager, John
Williamson, Parks and Recreation Manager, Dave Hussell, Street and
Traffic Operations Manager, Shelley Willson, Traffic Engineering
Supervisor, Don Skone, Planning Manager, Joan Davenport,
Supervising Associate Planner, John Elsden, Senior Project
Manager, Bruce Benson and Vaughn McBride, Associate Planners, Fred
French, City Engineer, Chris Waarvick, Wastewater Superintendent,
Dueane Calvin, Acting Water and Irrigation Superintendent, Cindy
Epperson, Accountant, Marketa Oliver, Administrative Assistant to
the City Manager, and City Clerk Roberts.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION /UPDATE
Glenn Valenzuela briefly reviewed the requirements of the Growth
Management Act which required numerous meetings with staff, County
Commissioners, County staff, and the public to develop plans for
handling growth. He stated the plan being presented today is a
city plan, not an urban area comprehensive plan that would require
County approval. He stated that Terrace Heights and West Valley
will have to be included in the County's growth plan. He doesn't
believe the City is in a position to front -end costs for utilities
in the urban service area; if they develop, it will be based upon
the developer's willingness to pay for that. development. He
recommended the City Council adopt this as a City plan only, and
not with the County. Council Member Klingele asked if the County
Commissioners can reject this plan. Mr. Valenzuela responded that
the County can protest it to the Joint Planning Board and the
Boundary Review Board. Council Member Sims asked if adoption of
this plan would make the City eligible to receive State funds,
such as CERB funds.' Mr. Valenzuela stated those funds would be
available as `'soon, as the Plan is adopted. City Manager Zais
stated a hearing will possibly be scheduled for mid - April, with an
adoption target date for mid -year which would make the City
eligible for the Fall Public Works Trust Fund (PWTF) grants. The
GMA has been challenged in the courts, tied in with the "takings"
issue. Council Member Puccinelli commented that the plan can be
changed after it has been adopted. John Elsden assured Council
that the plan may be changed on an annual basis. Staff advised
Council on the involvement of the County and the West Valley
residents in the development of this plan. Don Skone reported he
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MARCH 5, 1996 - ADJOURNED MEETING
has had discussion with some of the State Economic Development
staff regarding this plan, which they like. He stated he tried to
make the State Economic Development staff understand that there
has not been any planning in the urban area outside the City
limits which will be done later. He reported that Yakima County
is not happy about that urban reserve area; they would like to
designate land use, but not do any other planning. If that
happens, he stated he is afraid the State will take issue to it.
Dave Hussell spoke about the capacity as it relates to the
utilities and transportation systems. He distributed a memo dated
March 1, 1996, which addresses questions about transportation. He
referenced Table 3 -2 which gives the definition for Level of
Service (LOS) and stated staff was basing its planning on a LOS
"D ", which would result in a cost of $59.8 million over the next
20 years for improvements.. He asked Council if that level is what
they want to maintain or change. Cindy Epperson stated if Council
wants to maintain an LOS "D ", we would have to fund this to be in
place in the next six years, which is primarily bonded debt. City
Manager Zais stated Council has a policy of not charging impact
fees, but it is available and can be done in the future. Impact
fees would work for utilities, like sewer and water, however, it
would be difficult for streets in the County. Mr. Hussell stated
the LOS does not have to be at the same level throughout the City.
Council Member Puccinelli observed that a high rise highway will
be needed to move people to the West Valley area. (Council Member
Sims absent after 7:55 a.m.) Mr. Valenzuela stated it is
important to talk about the capital facilities aspect since the
public would be interested in the land use issue. Council Member
Puccinelli asked how much this document has cost the City.
Mr. Zais stated it has cost about $1 million for all the
documents. (Council Member Beauchamp absent after 7:57 a.m.)
City Manager Zais commented that growth is going to occur if there
is a willingness to pay for it; the ratepayers of Yakima can't
afford to pay for it.
It was the general consensus of Council to continue discussion of
this plan at a future meeting. The meeting adjourned at 8:05 a.m.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY;_., ° -
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ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK L BUCHANAN, MAYOR
An audio tape of this meeting is available in the City Clerk's Office
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