HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/20/1999 Business Meeting 40
CITY. OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
JULY 20, 1999
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
John Puccinelli, presiding. Council Members Clarence Barnett,
Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan, John Klingele, Mary Place, and
Bernard Sims present on roll call. City Manager Zais, Assistant
City Attorney Peterson, and City Clerk Roberts were also
present.
2. INVOCATION /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
An Invocation was given by Mayor,Puccinelli, followed by the
Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Klingele.
3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
A. PROCLAMATIONS (IF APPLICABLE)
• Kindervision Child Safety Day
Mayor Puccinelli proclaimed July 24, 1999 as Kindervision
Child Safety Day and encouraged all citizens to join in this
activity.
• Washington Ladies Riding Club Association Welcomes Western
Express
The Western Express was welcomed to the city as host of the
20 Washington Ladies Riding Club Association State Meet on
July 23 - 25, 1999.
Council Member Buchanan announced that Council Member Place and
City Clerk Roberts were celebrating birthdays this week.
Council Member Barnett requested staff to investigate why he was
sent a letter (dated July 16) from the Clean Air Authority
advising that suggestions or comments could be given regarding
revisions to the Draft regulations during their workshop
sessions after he had already appeared at their July 13 workshop
giving his comments.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Puccinelli referred to the items placed on the Consent
Agenda, questioning whether there were any additions or
deletions from either Council members or citizens present. It
was the general consensus of the Council to continue Item No. 8
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to August 3, 1999 and add it along with Item No. 13 to the
Consent Agenda. 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, AS
AMENDED, 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 JULY 6, 1999 ADJOURNED AND BUSINESS MEETINGS
The minutes of the July 6, 1999 Adjourned and Business meetings
were approved, having .been duly certified accurate by two
Council members and no one present wishing to have said minutes
read publicly.
6. YARD OF THE MONTH RECOGNITION
Lynne Quesenberry, Parks and Recreation Administrative
Assistant, announced the Yard -of- the -Month recipients:
Zone 1 Northwest Jack & Rose Ames, 1111 North 34 Avenue.
Zone 3 Southwest Roy & Mary Tjarnberg, 809 So. 56 Avenue.
Following a video showing the yards of the month, a
certificate was presented to the winners who were present.
7. PUBLIC HEARING ON 108 LOAN APPLICATION REQUESTED BY JEM
DEVELOPMENT (CONTINUED FROM 7/6/99 - PLEASE BRING MATERIAL
PREVIOUSLY DISTRIBUTED)
This being the time set for the continued public hearing, Bill
Cook, Director of Community and Economic Development, explained
that the purpose of this hearing is to gather public comment
about the proposed Section 108 Loan Application for the Yakima
Mall Expansion Project and to discuss the historic significance
of the Great Western Building and to gather public comment on
its proposed demolition. Mr. Cook reported that public funding
for the Yakima Mall Expansion Project will be from the federal
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and will be
provided in two forms: a $1 million grant and a $4 million loan.
The grant is from HUD's Economic Development Initiative (EDI)
and the loan is from HUD's Section 108 loan guarantee program.
. The Council is not being asked to approve the loan application
at this time, that consideration will be scheduled in August
prior to the August 18 deadline to submit the application. The
final decision on approval of the loan or conditions concerning
the proposed demolition will be up to HUD.
Joe Morrier, 402 East Yakima Avenue, provided information about
the condition of the Great Western Building, i.e., leakage,
cracking of the mortar, the age of the building, its foundation,
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and hard to find replacement materials. The small floor plan
also has created problems after years of neglected maintenance.
The cost overruns are too much. He appreciated the citizens'
opinions to save the old building and he invited suggestions to
pay for renovation, but reminded everyone that the Downtown Mall
needs to stay competitive for future retailing in Yakima. The
Masons will be preserving the Masonic Lodge artifacts.
Mayor Puccinelli then read several letters into the record from
Gayla representing the Greystone Restaurant, Mr. Zayler, and
from Richard Andring, opposing the demolition of the Great
Western Building. Richard Andring, 203 South 3 Avenue, then
read a list of opponents of the project from the Yakima High
School Class of 1949, who urged Mr. Morrier not t� demolish the
Great Western Building. Mayor Puccinelli also read a letter
from Thomas M. Conaley who opposed demolition and suggested it
be used as the Yakima City Hall. Mr. Morrier noted for
informational purposes only that the cost to tear down the Great
Western Building is expected to be about $300,000.
Jeanne Crawford, a free -lance journalist, showed some pictures
of old buildings in Yakima that have been torn down since she
wrote her book on the history of Yakima in 1968.
Virginia Brumback, 909 Peck's Canyon Road, an intern architect
trained in preservation planning and design at the University of
Washington, spoke about community identity and the role that the
Great Western Building plays in Yakima's identity. A strong
community identity is important for new businesses and to
attract visitors. Existing infrastructure revisions have been a
challenge for many other cities, but renovating inspires
community investment, stabilizes the community, and allows it to
prosper. Community identity creates a sense of place. The
Great Western Building is a visual anchor of the historical
roots and connection to Yakima. Council Member Sims pointed out
that the Yakima Mall is now the gathering place downtown. The
Masonic Temple hasn't seen any activity in a long time.
Aileen Kane, 701 South 14 Avenue, agreed with the two previous
speakers. There is a lot of building restyling going on in
Europe. The Great Western Building is a European design and
should be restored.
Ralph Call, 2608 West Chestnut, opposes the loan application and
feels that the Great Western Building should be restored and
doing so would make Yakima so special. The few historical
buildings left in Yakima should be retained.
Lynne Kittelson, 309 North 2 Street, read a letter and
submitted it for the record from the Northeast Yakima
Neighborhood Association opposing the demolition of the Great
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Western Building. She noted that highly skilled, living wages
full time employment is needed in Yakima rather than more
minimum wage part -time jobs. She urged the Council to reject
the request.
Mike Kennard, owner of the Howard House, described his
appreciation for the historic buildings in Yakima.
Yvonne Wellborn, Women's Century Club, described some old great
houses, such as the Gilbert House and the George Donald's house.
She asked that the Council establish a historical committee to
determine what buildings are valuable and which ones should be
kept.
Shirley Doty, 617 Friedline Road, emphasized that there are two
separate issues: (1) Whether it is worthwhile to save the Great
Western Building, and (2) Whether to submit the grant
application for new jobs in Yakima. She asked if new jobs will
be created or if existing jobs will be recycled. She urged the
Council to make sure they are new jobs. Regarding the Great
Western Building, Ms. Doty asked what the cost would be to put
in office space and some retail shops compared to the $300,000
it will cost to demolish the Great Western Building, and whether
retail space and specialty shops would cost $11 million or less.
Council member Buchanan agreed that new jobs are needed in
Yakima and feels the point Ms. Doty made is a very good point to
consider.
Elaine Willman, 16 South Toppenish Avenue, spoke against the
demolition of the Great Western Building. She questioned the
appropriateness of using HUD funds for this project at all. She
suggested that the Great Western Building become Yakima's City
Hall.
Bill Franklin, 7 North 22 Avenue, opposed the loan application
for the Yakima Mall Expansion Project and asked Mr. Morrier if
he had done any maintenance to the building since he bought it.
Bev Luby Bartz, 114 North 7th Street, urged the Council to
create a historical preservation committee.
Richard Andring also spoke against demolition and the loan
application.
George Pechtel, who has experience with historic preservation of
buildings and having generally inspected the building, spoke in
favor of the loan application and the demolition of the Great
Western Building. He explained that the life span of any old
building would be limited if proper maintenance has not been
done. Mortar joints need to be retooled and the plumbing and
heating system needs to be replaced, in addition to other
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renovation. He feels that if a new building is to be built, it
needs to be a nice looking building.
There being no one else wishing to comment, Mayor Puccinelli
closed the public hearing. There was discussion about how the
issue would be decided. Bill Cook reported that comments from
this pubic hearing would be forwarded to HUD and the State
Historical Preservation Office. Council Member Beauchamp
suggested that other options and possibilities for the property
be explored until a final decision can be made in August.
It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY PLACE, THAT WE TAKE THIS
TIME TO FURTHER EXPLORE AND TO SEE IF THERE ARE ANY OTHER
OPTIONS AND THEN CONSIDER IT AT THE AUGUST 17 BUSINESS
MEETING. Mr. Morrier said he would be glad to discuss any idea,
but requested that loan repayment be kept in mind because the
bottom line is to repay the loan, and he has to be competitive
with downtown Yakima. The question was called for a vote on the
motion. The motion carried by 6 -1 voice vote; Klingele voting
nay. It was the general consensus of the Council to meet on
Friday in groups of three or less to get all questions on the
table so there is time left after that to plan and to tour the
building.
*8. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER APPEAL FILED BY LORI FRYMIER OF THE
HEARING EXAMINER DECISION REGARDING A NOTICE OF NON - COMPLIANCE
CONCERNING 3310 W. NOB HILL BOULEVARD, RAINFORD'S LUBE & OIL
(CONTINUED FROM 7/6/99 - PLEASE BRING MATERIAL PREVIOUSLY DISTRIBUTED)
This item was continued to August 3, placed on the Consent
Agenda, and approved earlier in the meeting.
9. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER RELEASE OF DEEDED PUBLIC UTILITY
EASEMENT REQUESTED BY THE YAKIMA HOUSING AUTHORITY FOR THE
MARIPOSA PARK HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
This being the time set for the public hearing, Bruce Benson,
Associate Planner, summarized the request to release the
easement for two contiguous water and irrigation assessments
that are no longer needed because the water lines have been
moved. Mayor Puccinelli opened the public hearing and invited
testimony from the public. There being no one wishing to
comment, Mayor Puccinelli closed the public hearing. Resolution
No. R -99 -94 having been read by title only, it was MOVED BY
KLINGELE, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION. The motion
carried by,unanimous voice vote.
RESOLUTION NO. R- 99 -94, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City
Manager and the City Clerk of Yakima to execute a Quit Claim
Deed releasing an unused irrigation waterline easement.
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10. PUBLIC HEARING ON BUREAU OF JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION GRANT
APPLICATION
This being the time set for the public hearing, Don Blesio,
Chief of Police, requested that the Council approve the
resolution to ratify the U. S. Department of Justice Local Law
Enforcement Block Grant program application for $157,407 of
which the majority portion is committed to the City to purchase
crime investigation and crime prevention equipment. .A minority
portion of the grant will go to the County as part of an
interlocal agreement.
Mayor Puccinelli opened the public hearing and invited testimony
from the public. There being no one wishing to comment, the
public hearing was closed. Resolution No. R -99 -95 having been
read by title only, it was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY SIMS,
TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION. The motion carried by unanimous roll
call vote.
RESOLUTION NO. R- 99 -95, A RESOLUTION ratifying application for a
grant in the total amount of $157,407 from the U.S. Department
of Justice, Bureau of Justice Administration, for funding the
Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program, and further
designating and authorizing the City Manager to act as the
official representative of the city and to take such additional
steps as may be necessary and prudent to complete transactions
associated with the grant.
11. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Michael Kennard, 602 North 1 Street, Beauty Works, apologized
for the way he was dressed and vocalized his concerns about the
public safety response for a building being burnt after he
ordered trespassers to leave his property. He described the
circumstances surrounding the situation, which he feels involves
the possibility of arson and retaliation after asking that the
trespassers leave his property. Don Blesio, Police Chief,
responded to Mr. Kennard's remarks about the complaint noting
there will be a thorough follow -up on this issue. Al Gillespie,
Fire Chief, reported the incident investigation is underway and
a report will be prepared after that has taken place.
Joe Faulk, 1212 South 46 Avenue, spoke about the new Fairbook
Addition bus route. He expressed concern about the new bus
service in his neighborhood on South 46 Avenue with 135 buses
coming through their neighborhood per week. He provided copies
of the neighborhood route. Members of his neighborhood are also
opposed to the route through their neighborhood. He submitted a
petition objecting to the bus route through the Fairbook
Addition. He urged the Council to direct staff to consider the
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route and place the issue on the agenda in the future. He
expressed concerns about safety since there are no streetlights
or sidewalks and he feels the appropriate action would be to
move the bus route back onto the arterial streets.
Bill Schultz, Transit Manager, explained that he has spoken with
the residents, and this route came about from the elimination of
Route 10. The route was developed to facilitate transferring
• passengers and the timing of the route in order to provide
service at Whitney School. The Workforce Committee will
discontinue this route by Monday, June 26 and develop other
alternatives. There was discussion about developing
alternatives with the Citizen's Task Force Committee instead of
utilizing the Workforce Committee.
12. PRESENTATION FROM ENGINEERING REGARDING DESIGN OPTIONS FOR
SIGNALIZATION OF SOUTH 6 STREET AND EAST NOB HILL BOULEVARD
INTERSECTION (CONTINUED FROM 7/6/99 - PLEASE BRING MATERIAL
PREVIOUSLY PROVIDED)
Al Rose, Project Engineer, introduced Mike Rohrich with Gray and
Osborne, Inc., who was available for any questions. It was
MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY BARNETT, TO ACCEPT THE STAFF
RECOMMENDATION AND TO ACCEPT ALTERNATIVE NO. 2. The motion
carried by a 6 -1 voice vote; Place voting nay.
*13. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FROM YAKIMA BEARS FOR FUNDS FOR
BASKETBALL COURT IN THE SUNDOME
This request for $8,000 to be allocated towards the funding of a
second basketball court located in the Sundome was approved on
the Consent Agenda.
14. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST TO REMOVE TWO TREES ON EAST LINCOLN
AVENUE
Bill Cook presented a video showing the location of the trees to
be removed. He explained that alternatives have been identified
to save two trees, but there are also two trees that must be
removed to repair the existing sidewalk on 9th Street. Council
Member Klingele suggested replacing the fire hydrant at the same
time as the trees are removed. It was MOVED BY KLINGELE,
SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion
carried by unanimous voice vote; Beauchamp temporarily absent.
*15. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CLASSIFICATION AND
COMPENSATION PLAN FOR CERTAIN CITY EMPLOYEES (WATERWORKS
DRAFTING /SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE)
ORDINANCE NO. 99 -30, AN ORDINANCE relating to City personnel;
adopting a classification and compensation plan for City
employees to be effective August 22, 1999; amending Subsections
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2.20.100 A, 2.20.100 C, 2.20.110..A, and 2.20.110 C, all of the
City of Yakima Municipal Code.
16. OTHER BUSINESS
Additional comments were made in reference to the retention of
historic buildings in San Francisco and other requirements to
check out the Great Western Building.
Information Items: Items of information provided to Council
were: Agenda for the July 22, 1999 Hearing Examiner meeting; Report
on Damage Claims Filed during the Month of June 1999; and City
of Yakima. Planning Division Assignments Pending as of
July 20, 1999
17. ADJOURNMENT TO AUGUST 3, 1999, 7:30 A.M., AT THE POLICE
STATION /LEGAL CENTER REGARDING DRAFT TREE ORDINANCE, THEN TO
AUGUST 17, 1999 AT 7:30 A.M., AT THE POLICE STATION /LEGAL CENTER
REGARDING PROPERTY TAX AND PRESENTATION OF STUDY REGARDING
ALTERNATIVE FIRE STATION LOCATION IN WEST YAKIMA
It was MOVED BY KLINGELE, SECONDED BY PLACE TO ADJOURN AT
4:45 P.M. TO AUGUST 3, 1999. The motion carried by a 6 -1 voice
vote; Buchanan voting nay.
9/x/97
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: 40
op-
COUNCIL 'EMBT DATE
V 4 q2-1 lq?
COUNC L EMBER / DATE
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK JOHN PUCCINELLI, MAYOR
Minutes prepared by Deputy City Clerk Skovald. An audio and videotape of this meeting are
available in the City Clerk's Office
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