HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/01/1963 Business Meeting1
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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
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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 ".
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