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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/01/1963 Business Meeting1 J i JULY 12 1963 The City Council met in regular session, Mayor Larson, Councilmen Brazier, Kurbitz, Larson, Lemon and Munger, City Manager Smith and City Attorney Andrews present on roll call. Councilman Robinson present after 3:05 P.-M. Councilman Lynch absent and excused. The invocation was given by Councilman Lemon. The minutes of the regular meeting of June 24, 1963 were approved as corrected. Mayor Larson announced that it was his priviledge to make a special award at this meeting aril called on Polic Chief Oscar Soderstrom who introduced Harold "Hal" Stacy. He explained that Mr. Stacy had reportedtD the department,on May 24, 1963, important information regarding a stolen machine gun and that he has rendered invaluable service to both the Police Department and the F.B.I. in this matter. Chief Soderstrom further stated that in view of these facts, he and Mr. Clark, who was present at this meeting representing the F.B.I., were recommending that this awar be made. Mayor_Larson then read the award and commended the youth for acting in the best inter- est and the safety of the public. Mrs. Edith Sterrett having informed the City Manager by letter that a group of citizens would like to discuss, at this meeting, the subject' of infected trees and the control of this infectioi in the City, Mayor Larson requested the Council to deviate from the regular order of business in order that persons. present might be heard on this. matter. MOVED by Munger, seccnded by Robinson that the Council deviate from the regular order of business to consider the matter: carried, Brazier, Kurbitz, Larson, Lemon, Munger and Rovinson voting aye by voice vote. Lynch absent. Mayor Larson then called on Mrs. Nellie Lum who explained that the Yakima Valley Garden Club and the Navy Mothers are two groups who are interested in the problem of drippy trees in the City and asked if the Council would, by legislation, do something to force property owners to take care of infected trees. She further stated that the City of Sunnyside has a program whereby they spray the trees and place a lien against the property if the property owner does not take action to control the pests. Councilmembers indicated that they would rather not use force in this matter. Mr. Ed Putnam, Metropol tan-.-Park::�Director , explained that the Park Board has studied this matter and found that the cost of a city wide program would be prohibitive. He He related that the park program of spraying with a dormant spray in the spring and following up with a regular spray program has brought about fair control. He indicated that the method of plugging trees helps. Mr. Allan Hanigan of the Tripple A Tree Service, explained that there are many types of aphid which cause this .condition and that the problem is lack of adequate equip- ment to do,the job. He indicated that legislation would be necessary to insure the use of non- toxic sprays. He estimated that it would cost $2.00 per tree per application and t four applications per season including the dormant spray, to bring about control. Mr. Joe Kreiger expressed the belief that if all of the trees in the city were treated, the cost would be reduced All persons having been heard, it was MOVED by Robinson, seconded by Munger that this matter be referred to the City Manager and staff for study and recommendation: carried, Brazier, Kurbitz, Larson, Lemon, Munger and Robinson voting aye by voice vote. Lynch absent. Council then returned to the regular agenda and considered.: Petition No. 214 which was filed wit the City Clerk on June 24, 1963 by Ronald N. Andrews and which requests the formation of a local improvement district for the paving of 45th Avenue South including Drake Drive and the construction of curb only on the North side of Walnut Street between 45th Avenue and 46th Aveue, and it was MOVED by Lemon, seconded by Brazier that said petition be referred to the City Manage and staff for study and recommendation: carried, Brazier, Kurbitz, Larson, Lemon, Munger and Robinson voting aye by voice vote. Lynch absent. Moved by Munger, seconded by Robinson that Ordinance No. 455 relating to the classification and compensation plan for city employees, be passed as read: carried, Brazier, Kurbitz, Larson, Lemon, Munger and Robinson voting aye on roll call. Lynch absent. Discussion of the ordinance pointed out that two positions are being deleted from the Classification and Compensation Plan for Sewer operations, that of the Disposal Plant Supervisor and the Sewer Maintenance Supervisor, and combined under the title of Sewage Superintendent and that this change will result in a salary saving of $495.00 per month. ORDINANCE NO. 455, AN ORDINANCE relating to the Classification and Compensation Plan for employ of the City of Yakima, and amending subsection (b) of Section 2.20.100 ,of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. Moved by Robinson, seconded by Munger that Ordinance No. 456 relating to traffic regulations, be passed as read: carried, Brazier, Kurbitz, Larson, Lemon, Munger and Robinson voting aye on roll call. Lynch absent. Discussion of this ordinance indicated that the new regulations added are to take care of the two -way left -turn lane being added on South First Street from Pacific to Lenox Avenue to discontinue the on street parking in this same area. Public Works Director, John Mayo stated that Seattle's experience with this type of traffic pattern has shown a marked decrease in traffic accidents and that they are adding.many more miles of two -way left -turn lane He also indicated that the striping and signs will be ready immediately. Councilman Robinson and Mayor Larson urged the news media to give this program proper publicity and requested the staff,to exercise patience and proceed with a comprehensive educational program for the use of this lane. ORDINANCE NO. 456, AN ORDINANCE relating to traffic regulations; regulating turnin of motor vehicles; prohibiting parking along certain streets; amending Sections 9.2$.140 (bT and 9.36.070 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code; and declaring an emergency. Moved by Brazier, seconded by Kurbitz that Resolution No. D -574 authorizing the installation of paint striping pattern on South lst Street from Pacific Street to Lenox Avenue, be passed as rea carried, Brazier, Kurbitz, Larson, Lemon, Munger and Robinson voting aye,on roll call. Lynch absent. In discussing this matter, Mr. Mayo explained that the area being striped is the length of four normal City Blocks and that the staff is working with.the State Highway and their over- lay program and that when advised of the intention to change the traffic' on South First Street, no objections were raised by the State. Councilman Robinson suggested that perhaps a similar program can be worked out for North lst Street and Mr. Mayo stated that the State does not be- lieve that North lst Street needs this improvement' but that it might be done this fall after the State returns this street totthe City for maintenance. He also pointed out that an overlay would be required to eliminate the existing striping pattern. Gray and Osborne, Consulting Engineers for the Arterial Street Improvement4giect on 40th Avenue reporting a tabulation of bids received on June 28, 1963 and recommending/ e low bidder, Superior Asphalt & Concrete Company Company of Yakima, be awarded the contract as per their proposal in the amount of $114,145.00, it was MOVED by Robinson, seconded by Lemon that this s r J. M JULY 11 1963 recommendation be approved and the contract awarded accordingly and that the City Manager be and and is hereby authorized to enter into said contract on behalf of the City of Yakima upon the filing of the proper bond and insurance by said contractor: carried, Brazier, Kurbitz, Larson, Lemon, Munger and Robinson voting aye by voice vote. Lynch absent. Mr. Don Gray, being present, advised the Council that this work will commence in a week or so, will take 120 day to complete and that a pre bid conference will be held soon to determine plans correlating this work with the improving of Lincoln Avenue since the completion time of that project overlaps the new contract. He also advised that this contractor was recently awarded a bid in Toppenish. Further discussion pointed out that this project must tie in with the Yakima Valley Canal Company's work in covering the the Congdon ditch. Councilman Robinson urged that 40th Avenue between Summitview and Arlington and the streets on the South side of the Eisenhower School be completed as soon as possible, and if this cannot be accomplished, that this stretch not be torn up. Mrs. George Timpke, property owner at 1009 East Spruce, pled for the City's help in getting rid of water which raises around her house after the irrigation season begins each year. She related that this condition did not exist prior to the building of the by -pass highway. City Manager Smii explained that the staff has spent hour &checking out this problem and have not been able to come up with a solution and suggested that a drain field be built around Mrs. Timpke's home. John Mayo, Public Work's Director explained that the staff has checked for broken pipes and drains, and checked main pressures and found nothing contributing to this condition. He indicated that this condidion is caused by the raising of the water table and that the only solution is an under drain for the whole area which will cost thousands of dollars. Mrs. Timpke's son explained that this water appeared for the first time, after the Gas Company's installations some three years ago. The Council and Manager Smith assured Mrs. Timpke that the staff will continue to seek a ;solution to this problem. Councilman Kurbitz, referring to a letter from Dr. Harold G. Bergen requesting, on behalf of the members of the Yakima Medical Center, that the City extend Walnut through from 11th Avenue to 12th Avenue by condemnation and paying for.the needed properties, ask if the Council might con- sider this matter. Manager Smith stated that he will prepare a recommendation on this matter. Manager Smith reported that due to staff shortages, caused by the resignation of the Planning Director and one Planning Aide and the problem of completing the Comprehensive Plan for the city, he is recommending that we seek a replacement for the Planning Director and that the Council consider going to a third party contract and obtain the ser?rices of a private consulting firm to complete the Comprehensive plan. # He stated that the Plannir� Commission is in favor of this approach and that it will to %Eo additional funds, only readjustment of funds now available. Councilman Brazier requested an investigation be made to determine the feasibility of'combining City and County Planning. Councilman Kurbitz expressed belief that this work should be farmed out making it possible to maintain to maintain a smaller staff and suggested that planning operations be made a part of the Engineering Department. He also referred to the possible loss of revenue due to the recent court decision in the . Huza matter and stated that he fails;.; to see justification for money spent on planning and further suggested that the Airport Manager not be replaced, but that these duties be assumed by other staff members. _It was MOVED by Robinson, seconded by Kurbitz that the City Manager be authorized to make preliminary contacts with con- sulting firms for the purpose of completing the Comprehensive plan: carried, Brazier, Kurbitz, Larson, Lemon, Munger and Robinson voting aye by voice vote. Lynch absent. (the following omitte� ,from above) He (Manager Smith) related that he has met with John Swan, a member of the Department of Commerce and Economic Development who recommended that the city try to fill the Planning Director's position but hire a co nsultingfirm to complete the comprehensive plan. Dr. Bittner also stated that the Downtown Development Committee favors the combining of City and County Planning. Manager Smith requested approval of the Council for Chief Moore to attend a conference to be held in Fairbanks and Anchorage Alaksa on July 18, 19, and 20th, 1963 advising that the Chief is to participate in the conference and is to have his expenses paid. This conference is to be held by the Alaska Staff & Command School. It was MOVED by Kurbitz, seconded by Brazier that Chief Moore be allowed to attend this conference: carried, Brazier, Kurbitz, Larson, Lemon, Munger and Robinson voting aye by voice vote. Lynch absent. The Downtown Development Association in a letter to Manager Smith, having requested permission for Mr. Mayo and members of his staff to assist in a preliminary survey of the Central Business District for Off- Street Parking Utilization, it was MOVED by Robinson, seconded by Munger that Mr. Mayo and his staff be allowed to assist in this survey: carried, Brazier, Kurbitz, Larson, Lemon, Munger and Robinson voting aye by voice vote. Lynch absent. In discussing this matter, Public Works Director, John Mayo explained that he would like to have from -2 to 4 college students to make the basic survey indicating that this survey will determine where there is demand for parking and settle the question as to whether there is a shortage of parking space. Dr. Bittner stated that the Development Association will pay for the extra help needed for this study Councilman Lemon stated that he is, against the staff or the Council coming up with any economic figure for the off street parking project. There being no further business to come before the Council, it was MOVED by Kurbitz, seconded by Brazier that we do now adjourn at the hour of 5:05 P.M: carried, Brazier, Kurbitz, Larson, Lemon. Munger and Robinson voting aye by voice vote. Lynch absent. ATTEST: /Zl/_ , - C I T Y C L E R These minutes ordered corrected by the Council at the regular meeting of July 8, 1963, as follows The minutes be clarified and state that Cheif Moores expenses will be paid by the Alaska Command School and not by the City of Yakima. " That Councilman Lemons remarks read "economic conclusion" rather than "figure ". 1 1 n