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Home My WebLink About07/18/2000 Business Meeting 412 CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON JULY 18, 2000 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 Mary Place, presiding. Council Members Clarence Barnett, Lynn Buchanan, Larry Mattson, John Puccinelli, and Bernard Sims present on roll call. Council Member Henry Beauchamp absent and excused. City Manager Zais, City Attorney Paolella, and City Clerk Roberts were also present. 2. INVOCATION /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE An Invocation was given by Council Member Puccinelli, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Buchanan. 3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER Senator Alex Deccio and Representatives Jim Clements and Mary Skinner, presented the City of Yakima with a check in the amount of $2.5 million for the purchase of the land at Larson Park from the City and relocation of the tennis courts and ball fields. This is the first phase for bringing 3 and 4th year education to the community college. Council Member Puccinelli announced that the Mayor will be celebrating her birthday this Thursday, July 20 4. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Place referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning whether there were any additions or deletions from either Council members or citizens present. Items Nos. 9, 12, 13 and 14 were removed from 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; Beauchamp absent. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk ( *) indicate items on the Consent Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion.) JULY 18, 2000 5. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Delbert Mears, 104 East 2 Street, Naches, Washington, expressed the willingness of the Yakima Interurban Lines Association (YILA) to start running the trolleys again. He advised Council they had changed their administration and are in the process of getting local control. He said he was now the general manager of the company and that Wiley Mills will be the project manager. He informed Council they were capable of having the trolleys running within three weeks. Wiley Mills, 201 Merinda Drive, Selah, said it was important to get the trolleys running because if they do not run within the year all the land reverts back to the adjacent landowners. He also stated he had a conflict of interest with City Attorney Paolella and wanted to do any negotiating with Assistant City Manager, Glenn Rice. City Attorney Paolella emphasized that it is not advisable given the enormous complexity of litigation and audits underway for the City to enter into any new contractual relationships until that is all resolved. With regard to the requirement of having the trolleys operational to avoid losing the property, he said that is something that is being researched and they will try to avoid losing the trolley system while moving forward with the lawsuit. City Attorney Paolella said we had received no official notification of a new board and all of our communications must go through their attorney in Tacoma. Mr. Mills stated that Mr. Paolella's stalling is why they plan to counter -sue the City and why he should be removed as the City's counsel for this issue. Mr. Mears said he had paperwork regarding the new administration he was taking over to County Commissioner Lewis and would leave a copy for the City. He reiterated they are willing to enter into an agreement with the City to get the trolleys back on the tracks even if it was a month -to -month agreement to show good faith. 6. CONSIDERATION OF CITY COUNCIL TRANSIT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION REGARDING SIX -YEAR CAPITAL BUS REPLACEMENT PROGRAM AND SETTING DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR AUGUST 15, 2000 • Chri's Waarvick, Public Works Director, spoke about the experience of having to leave passengers behind due to the buses being full during peak ridership. This happens during the school year. In the hearing scheduled for August 15 they will ask consideration for medium size buses to help alleviate that situation. Lynne Kittelson, 305 N. 9 Street, expressed her concern about the uncomfortable small buses and recommended management look long and hard before purchasing more. She referred to having heard of Labor and Industry claims by some of the drivers of the small buses. Mr. Waarvick responded that 2 4 JULY 18, 2000 they have requested the bus manufacturer to provide a remedy for the seating /pedal problem. He said L &I did come out but he had been told there was nothing actionable on their part. Mr. Waarvick mentioned there has been approximately a 10% increase in ridership compared to this time last year. He assured Council that in any equipment purchase agreement they would put in a provision to have the ability to withdraw if Initiative 745 were to become a reality. It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO APPROVE THE SIX YEAR IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM WITH RECOMMENDATION TO PURCHASE FOUR MEDIUM SIZE BUSES IN THE YEAR 2001 AND SET A PUBLIC HEARING FOR AUGUST 15, 2000. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Beauchamp absent. 7. CONSIDERATION OF REPORT ON TREE REMOVAL AND SIDEWALK REPAIR ON WASHINGTON AVENUE (1 STREET TO 3 AVENUE) A video was shown highlighting the clear view problems with the trunks of the trees along Washington Avenue as well as the damage they are causing to the sidewalks. Chris Waarvick explained the trees had originally been planted as a condition for obtaining federal grant money, that they have no irrigation, and the placement holes are quite small. There have been complaints about the clear view and the City of Union Gap has requested their removal. Staff's recommendation is to remove the columnar oaks along this stretch of Washington Avenue (between South 1 Street and South 3 Avenue) and drive the stumps out. Staff will then work with the City Manager's office to determine if there is money available for the sidewalk repair. Removal of the trees would cost approximately $10,000. Council Member Buchanan suggested the people requesting the removal be required to pay $250 per tree to have new trees put in somewhere else. It was MOVED BY PUCCINELLI, SECONDED BY BARNETT TO REMOVE THE TREES. The motion failed by a 3 -3 roll call vote; Mattson, Sims, and Buchanan voting no; Beauchamp absent. *8. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE OF A MULTIPARK TRACTOR, ACCESSORIES AND IMPLEMENTS FROM MERIDIAN TRACTOR, INC. RESOLUTION NO. R- 2000 -86, A RESOLUTION authorizing the purchase of a Holder C -240 Multipark Tractor and accessories and . implements from Meridian Tractor, Inc. of Jackson, Wyoming for a purchase price not to exceed $45,175.32 (plus sales tax) as a sole source purchase without calling for bids. 3 415 JULY 18, 2000 9. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING TERM LIMITS FOR COMMUNITY REVIEW BOARD MEMBERS Council Member Mattson said the wording of the title of this resolution was confusing and suggested it be changed. It was MOVED BY MATTSON, SECONDED BY PUCCINELLI, TO CHANGE THE RESOLUTION TITLE REPLACING THE WORD "CURRENT" WITH THE WORD "INITIAL ". The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Beauchamp absent. Resolution No. R- 2000 -87, having been read by title, it was MOVED BY MATTSON, SECONDED BY PUCCINELLI, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AS AMENDED. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote; Beauchamp absent. RESOLUTION NO. R- 2000 -87, A RESOLUTION establishing the initial terms of appointees to the Community Review Board. *10. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF • PORTIONS OF SPRING CREEK ROAD, 16 AVENUE AND WASHINGTON AVENUE ON AUGUST 8, 2000 FOR 2000 AIRSHOW RESOLUTION NO. R- 2000 -88, A RESOLUTION authorizing temporary closures of portions of 16 Avenue, Spring Creek Road, and Washington Avenue for the 2000 Airshow Yakima. *11. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF CONTRACT WITH THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR PROPERTY ACQUISITION RESOLUTION NO. R- 2000 -89, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager of the City of Yakima to execute a contract with the Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce for a real estate property exchange. 12. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING PROCEDURES RELATING TO AIR TRAVEL EXPENDITURES Council Member Buchanan expressed concern that adopting this resolution would result in the City paying higher costs than if Council members were allowed to make their own reservations. He was not pleased with the restriction that all travel reservations and air fares must be booked "through City administrative offices as designated by the City Manager" commenting this is being done without a bid for the lowest price. The point was made that they could get whatever kind of ticket they wanted but they would only be reimbursed for the lowest fare. When clarification of the resolution was requested, City Attorney Paolella interpreted it as setting a ceiling on what the City would pay and if someone were to come up with a lower fare, that would be fine. Resolution No. R- 2000 -90 having been read by title, it was MOVED BY MATTSON, . SECONDED BY PUCCINELLI, TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION. It was asked if they were restricted to using only the City's travel agent. 4 . 1 4.16 • JULY 18, 2000 City Manager Zais said travel may be booked either through the City administration or by the individual themselves. Mr. Zais added that the phrase "when practical" must be considered with the statement regarding City business hours and major air carriers. It was MOVED BY PUCCINELLI, SECONDED BY SIMS, THAT IF SOMEONE CAN BOOK BELOW THE CITY'S PRICE THEY WILL BE FREE TO DO SO AND WILL BE REIMBURSED AT THEIR ACTUAL COST. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Beauchamp absent. The question was called for on the amended resolution. The motion carried by a 4 -2 roll call vote, Sims and Buchanan voting no; Beauchamp absent. RESOLUTION NO. R- 2000 -90, A RESOLUTION relating to air travel expenditure cost containment and establishing procedures for obtaining the lowest cost airfares when City officials and employees travel inside and outside the State of Washington on official business. 13. SET DATE OF CLOSED RECORD HEARING FOR AUGUST 15, 2000 TO CONSIDER AN APPEAL FILED BY MS. JAMIE WALTHER ON THE DENIAL OF A HOME OCCUPATION BEAUTY SHOP AT 807 NORTH 60 AVENUE Tim Morris, 706 S. 60 Avenue, asked to have this hearing postponed for two weeks as he and his wife, adjacent property owners, will be unavailable on that date. It was noted that the appellant and all other affected parties must be notified prior to changing the date. Staff was directed to find a mutually acceptable date and set the date of hearing at the August 1, 2000 council meeting. 14. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2000 BUDGET APPROPRIATING STATE "IN- LIEU" BACKFILL FUNDS FOR REPLACING I -695 MVET REDUCTIONS (NO ACTION REQUIRED; SECOND READING SCHEDULED 8 /1 /00) Les Orneles of the Clean Air Authority addressed Council asking them to utilize the in -lieu backfill funds and increase their funding by $1,287 bringing it back to the original requested amount of $23,787. After discussion regarding the basis for the recommended adjustments, it was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO MAKE NO CHANGE TO THE ORIGINAL CLEAN AIR AUTHORITY FUNDING AMOUNT. The motion carried by a 5 -1 voice vote; Puccinelli voting no; Beauchamp absent An Ordinance amending the 2000 budget and appropriating funds for State in -lieu backfill funds for replacing I -695 MVET reductions, having been read by title only, was laid on the table for two weeks, until August 1, 2000. 5 • • 417 JULY 18, 2000 *15. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2000 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR STORMWATER AGREEMENT (NO ACTION REQUIRED; SECOND READING SCHEDULED 8/1/00) An Ordinance amending the 2000 budget and appropriating funds for professional services relating to stormwater regulations, having been read by title only, was laid on the table for two weeks, until August 1, 2000. *16. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2000 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR STATE CRIMINAL JUSTICE GRANT FUNDED PROGRAMS (NO ACTION REQUIRED; SECOND READING SCHEDULED 8/1/00) An Ordinance amending the 2000 budget and appropriating funds to provide programs associated with state criminal justice grants, having been read by title only, was laid on the table for two weeks, until August 1, 2000. 17. OTHER BUSINESS It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO REAPPOINT TROY EMMONS TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote; Beauchamp absent. Council Member Puccinelli commented that all candidates were outstanding and he hoped they would consider applying for other positions on Boards and Commissions for the City. It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO ACCEPT THE COUNCIL COMMITTEE'S PROPOSED CHANGES IN THE ORDER OF THE BUSINESS, ON A TRIAL BASIS, MOVING THE QUASI- JUDICIAL (LAND USE) HEARINGS TO THE END OF THE MEETINGS. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Beauchamp absent. Council Member Barnett requested the second Water Summit scheduled for Wenatchee in October be placed on the Council agenda to insure appropriate participation. Information Items: Items of information provided to Council were: Memorandum from the Planning Manager regarding Annual Population Estimate for Yakima. 7/13/00; Report on Damage Claims Filed During the Month of June 2000; Memorandum from New Vision /Yakima County Development Association regarding ad placed in the Puget Sound Business Journal. 7/10/00; Code Administration Division Monthly Report for June 2000; Planning Division Assignments Pending Report as of July 18, 2000; Minutes of the July 5, 2000 Community Review Board meeting; Article from the July 7, 2000 Seattle P -I, "EPA's Water - Cleanup Plan Blocked "; Hanford Happenings. July 2000; Article from the July 10, 2000 Nation's Cities Weekly, "House Committee Passes Federalism Bill; Measure Would Analyze Mandates "; and Economic Development Digest. June 2000 6 418 JULY 18, 2000 18. ADJOURNMENT It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 3:05 P.M. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Beauchamp absent. I READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY:��.� — 2� t d(;' COUNCIL MEMB DAT4 AL ‘ 76 CIL MEMBER DATE ATTEST: CITY CLERK PLACE, MAYOR Minutes prepared by Linda Watkins, Pension /Records Clerk. An audio and video tape of this meeting are available in the City Clerk's Office • • 7