HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/20/1964 Business MeetingF,
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JANUARY 20, 1964
The City Council rnet in regular session, Mayor Larson, Councilman Brazier, Kurbitz, Lemon, Lynch
Munger and Robinson, City Manager Smith and City Attorney Andrews present on roll call. There
were approximately 90 interested citizens present at this meeting.
The invocation was given by Councilman Lynch.
The minutes of the regular meeting of January 17, 1964 were approved as read.
In accordance with action taken by the City Council at their regular meeting of January 13, 1964,
the matter of off street parking and a feasibility study was brought on for discussion. Manager
Smith reviewed the Yakima Action Committee's recommendation and other information already submitt(
on the subject and indicated that consideration will be given to the city building off street
parking facilities and leasing them to private interests. Mr. Martin Brovm, business man and
central business area property owner asked questions regarding the scope of the ",o,ff- street parkin€
study and Councilman Robinson indicated that the total cost will be approximately $20,000. to
$25,000 and that the City's share will be in the neighborhood of 08,000.00 on the basis that the
other 2 /3rds of the cost is to be paid by the Merchants and Downtown property owners. Councilman
Brazier explained that the Council is trying to determine whether there is a real parking problem
whether it should be left to private enterprise or whether public facilities should be built and
where they should be built. Mr. Ed Haynes, 404 South 27th Avenue, protested the City's partici-
pation in this project stating that this is working around to the taxpayers paying another bill
for a service which is not needed. He urged the Council to give consideration to controlled
spending and to leave parking to private enterprise. Mr. Perry Robinson, an attorney, protested
the the spending pf public funds to invade private enterprise, contending that money spent on a
feasibility study is lost unless the City Council has decided to build garages. Lambert Benoit,
a dentist, protested the feasibility study suggesting that the merchants are looking for a scape-
goat since discount houses have come into operation and are using the parking issue. He further
suggested that business must look after their customers and provide parking, citing the Bon MarchE
Drapers as examples. Mr. Wes Britt questioned..Coundil members regarding their plans and generally
encouraged the use of the services of Ebasco I`c., as consultants. Mr. Ted Robertson, owner of
the local newspaper and member'of the Yakima Action Committee indicated that the question of
whether the city will go into the parking business is not the study, that there is no shortage noo
but will be in the near future if private lots are given over to other business and that Yakima
needs a survey by experts to help make the parking garage decision. Mr. Lex Maxwell, Vice PresidE
of the Yakima Federgl Savings and Loan and former Councilman; pointed out that the City is already
in the parking business by way of it's parking meters and this study will determine whether it is
adequate to take care of the needs of the City or if this is the time for expansion. He also
pointed to; traffic as a problem and indicated that it is not right to have a primary traffic
route through the center of the Central Business District. Mrs. Charles Reimke, downtown property
owner concurred with the remarks made by Mr. Robertson and Mr. Maxwell and expressed favor for the
feasibility study and the City's paying its 1/3 of the cost. Mr. Gordon N Howard, candidate for
election to the City Council, expressed favor of the study and indicated that traffic is a problen
Mfr. Charles Reimke expressed belief that the study is necessary, that traffic is.a problem and the
parking funds should be used for such a study. Mr. Jack Cole, Manager of National Bank of Commerc
indicated that parking is not the only problem and that steps should be taken to study the Central
Business District to determine all of its problems. Mr. George Corbett, realtor and Action
Committee member, indicated that-on the basis of figures compiled for retail selling needs there
is indication of a shortage of 2000 parking spaces. Mr. Don Connor, candidate for city Council,
spoke toy'*t;he point of real estate taxes being to low in the City and renters being squeezed out
because of unrealistic taxing program. Mr. Brad Emery explained that he is not against the study
being made but against the City's going into the parking business. Mr. A. Michael, owner and
operator of the Yakima Motor Ramp, protested the City's going into the Parking business and expre:
ed concern as to who pays for the study if the merchants and business property owners do not
choose to contribute their 1,13 since there has been no evidence of payment. Mr. Bob Reeseman,
interested citizen, expressed favor of the feasibility study, Mr. W. Newpert, senior citizen,
took exception to -Mr. Connors ideas on raising real estate, taxes stating that many el.cbr citizens
would have to leave the city if taxes are raised. Council members expressed appreciation for
the attendance and participation of those present. Councilman L nch pointed out that the $8,000.
for this project was not f.orseen and included in this years budget and expressed'concern as to
where the money is to come from and also pointed out that the Merchants and Property Owners have
not given concrete evidence that they will each pay their 1 /3:of the cost. In discussing the
point of including parking in the comprehensive study of the Central Business area, it was pointec
out that Ebasco will include off street parking and off street parking facilities but not to the
degree that it must be covered for the purpose of issuing Revenue Bonds. Councilman Kurbitz made
a motion which lost for the want of a second, to the effect that a resolution be prepared cooperat
ing with the Action Committees recommendation and authorizing the City's participation up to
$7500. in t-he feasibility study. Councilman Munger referred to and read from a statement issued
by Mr. E. J. Allison, former City Manager, explaining the state law regarding cities and the off -
stfeet parking business, which_ recommended that it is not desireable for the City to compete wJ.th
existing private parking lots unless it is absolutely necessary. Councilman Lynch then made a
motion, which lost for the want of a second, to the effect that the City Council cooperate with
the Yakima Action Committee and immediately contact reputable firms, seeking the cost of the park-
ing study. Councilman Robinson pointed out that there is no need for such action since the staff
has been authorized and is working on the subject of cost and since Ebasco is coming ina week or
Councilman Brazier emphasized that the City Should participate only on an equal basis with the
Merchants and Downtown Property Owners, preferably to study more than just the parking problem
and Councilman Munger concurred whith his statements. No further action was taken by the Council
at this meeting on this matter.
Moved by Lemon, seconded by Munger that Resolution No. D -645 contenting to the assignment of
David E. Campbell's interest in the Avis Rent A Car Agreement to C. W. Terry, d /b /a Terry's Renta:
be passed as read: carried, Brazier, Kurbitz, Larson, Lemon, Lynch, Munger and Robinson voting
aye on roll call. Manager Smith recommended this action.
RESOLUTION NO. D -645, A RESOLUTION consenting to the assignment from David E. Campbell, d /b /a
Avis Rent -A -Car System, to C.W. Terry, d /b /a/ Terry's Rentals, of assignor's interest in the
automobile rental business at the Yakima Municipal Airport.
Moved by Brazier, seconded by Robinson that Resolution No. D -646 authorizing and directing the
sale of certain City owned personal property, now declared to be surplus, be passed as read:
carried, Brazier, Kurbitz, Larson, Lemon, L,,nch, Munger and Robinson voting ave on roll call.
RESOLUTION NO. D: -646, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the sale of certain surplus personal
property owned by the City of Yakima .
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JANUARY 20, 1964
This being.the time for the hearing on Resolution No. D -633, being a resolution of intention to
improve certain prcperty'by the construction of sanitary sewers to serve the area East of 9th
Street and North of Spruce Street as requested by the signers on Petition No. 187, it was MOVED
by Robinson, seconded by Munger that the ordi.ngnce providing for said improvement and creating a
local improvement district, be passed as read. Mm. James protested the improvement stating that
pproperty assessed is outside the city and since they cannot sell it they do not favor the improvenient
laIr. John Noel.- explained that the property he is being assessed for,is back of the Old Yakima
Bottling Works and is land locked and will not 'need this improvement. Mr. Wileman protested the
cost. Mr. Reich filed protests in writing on three parcels of .land and related that h -is house
sets on two small lots and that he is being assessed for each lot when there can only be one
connection. Mrs. Dorothey Sandmeyer protested the cost since she does not have a job and cannot
rent the property being assessed. Mr. Ed Turner indicated that he will bring in a petition pro-
testing this improvement. Mr. Claude Weaver protested the cost and related that he already has
sewer service. It was explained to him that his property has not participated in any Local
Improvement District and that he will be given credit for any hook up charge already paid and be
assessed for his proportionate share. Air. Kenneth Sprague protested this improvement as he has jus
spent some $600.00 on septic tanks and improvements. Mrs. Isabel Watkins protested. Also Mr. M.
C. Mathews protested paying on two parcels of land connected to the back of his property which is
landlocked. The Council wishir_g-:. -.to study these matters further and encouraging the staff to study
them further, it was MOVED by Robinson, seconded by Munger that this hearing be continued for one
week or until the next regular meeting of*the City Council on January 27, 1964 carried, Larson,
Lemon, / Lynch, Plunger and Robinson voting ave on roll call. Brazier and Kurbitz voting Nay on roll
call. VCouncilman Kurbitz indicated that he would favor continuation if an evening meeting was
called for this purpose. Persons present were urged to file their protests in writing in order
that the staff may figure the percentage. It was also noted at this hearing that a few protests
have been received by mail.
A Notice of Intention to annex certain property located West of 47th Avenue and North of Nob Hill
Boulevard, having been filed with the City Clerk on January 17, 1964 by Fred E.'Hammerstad for
United Builders and Mr. Hammerstad being present at this meeting, it was MOVED by Lynch, seconded'
by Robinson that the City Council meet with the initiating party, namely Mr. Hammerstad at this
time and on this date, January. 20, 1964, to commence annexation proceedings: carried, Brazier,
Yurbitz, Larson, Lemon, Lynch, Munger and Robinson voting aye by voice vote. /Mayor Larson then
declared this meeting in .session and it was MOVED by Robinson, seconded by Lynch that the
annexation proposed by Mr. Fred Hammerstad for United Builders be accepted by the City'of Yakima
and that the area to be annexed be required to assume its share of the 'City's existing indebted -
ne-ss: carried, Brazier, Larson, Lemon, Lynch, Munger and Robinson voting aye by voice vote.
Petitioner was then instructed to circulate and file a petition praying for the annexation.
Moved by Munger, seconded by Robinson that Resolution No. D -647 authorizing the execution of a
lease agreement with the Metropolitan Park District for the care maintenance and improvement of
Naches Avenue as a boulevard, be passed as read: carried, Brazier, Kurbitz, Larson, Lemon, Lunch;
Munger and Robinson vo ing aye on roll call.
RESOLUTION NO. D -647, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager and City Clerk of
the City of Yakima to execute a lease agreement with the Metropolitan Park District of Yakima,
and designating a portioneof Naches Avenue as a boulevard.
Moved b-v Lynch,'seconded by Munger that Resolution No D -648 authorizing the execution of an
agreement with Robert L. Rankin for the installation of a water main along Rock Avenue from
Campbell Avenue to a point 600 feet South thereof, be passed as read: carried, Brazier, Kurbitz,
Larson, Lemon, Lynch, Munger and Robinson voting aye on roll call.
RESOLUTION NO. D -64$1 A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager and City Clerk to °execute an
Agreement with Robert L. Rankin for the installation of a water main.
Moved by Lemon, seconded by Robinson that Resolution No. D -649 transferring $68,051 within the
1964 budget for the Water Sewer Fund, be passed as read: carried, Brgzier, Kurbitz, Larson,
Lemon,.Lynch, Munger and Robinson voting aye on roll call.
RESOLUTION NO. D -6491 A RESOLUTION transferring the sum of $6$,051.00 within the 1964 appropriatic
for 52- Water- Sewer.
.The City.Engineer reporting the following as final Estimates on City projects for payment,
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Airport Addition & Clift Plat Sanitary Sewer Dick Sanislos& Sons
L.I.D. No. 911 $$00.02
Eisenhower Area Storm Drain N. L. Kimball $14,903.79
it was MOVED BY Lemon, seconded by Robinson that the Engineers report dated January 20, 1964,
be approved and that the progress estimates therein set forth be approved and payment of said
estimates be hereby authorized: carried, Brazier, Kurbitz, Larson, Lemon, Lynch, Munger and
Robinson voting aye by voice vote.
City Manager Smith reported on a meeting with Gray and Osborne, Consulting Engineers and the
Bureau of Reclamation and the recommendations being made by Gray and-Osborne as consulting
engineers for the City of Yakima on matters of a water study and the Bumping Lake*Expansion with
relation the the City's Water Supply. He'related that Gray and Osborne does not feel-that the
City of Yakima will benefit by pgrticipating fir;ancially in the project at this time and recommenc
a new diversion point at Nelson Bridge which will supply our needs until the year 2000 after whick
time further analysis can be made. He gave the Bureau's figures for the annual cost to the City
for participation in the project for a peirod of-50 years would-be $1$$,000 to$235,000. He
recommended that the Council authorize him to formally advise the Bureau that the City will
withd�aw it's request to participate in the Bumping Reservoir enlargement project at this time and
it was MOVED by Lynch, seconded by Lemon that Manager Smith's recommendation be approved and that
he so advise the Bureau of reclamation: carried, Brazier, Larson, Lemon, LT_nch, Munger, and
Robinson voting aye by voice vote.
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 11:20 P.M: carried, Brazier, Kurbitz, Larson,
Lemon, Lynch, Munger and Robinson voting aye by voice vote.
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