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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/19/2003 Business Meeting 448 CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON BUSINESS MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 19, 2003 - 2:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL 1. RoII Call Present: Council: Mayor Mary Place, presiding, Council Members Clarence Barnett, Paul George, Larry Mattson, John Puccinelli, and Bernard Sims Staff: City Manager Zais, City Attorney Paolella and City Clerk Roberts 2. Invocation /Pledge of Allegiance Council Member Puccinelli gave an invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Sims. 3. Open Discussion for the Good of The Order /Special Presentation A. Proclamations None B. Status report on prior meeting's citizen service request • Alarm monitoring Wayne Wantland explained the report that had been supplied as a result of the questions that came up at the last meeting. The main complaint had been that we were requiring everyone to go through the City's dispatch station. Mr. Wantland said that has never been the City's practice or policy, nor has anyone been instructed to tell someone that. C. Council Quorum Council Member Puccinelli asked the Legal Department to research and advise on what constitutes a quorum now that there currently are only six council members. When there were seven council members, they could not have more than three in a meeting before it would be considered a public meeting. Will that number now be reduced to two? City Attorney Paolella will report back at the next meeting. 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. Item No. 7 was added to the consent agenda. The City Clerk read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances by title. SIMS MOVED AND GEORGE SECONDED TO ADOPT THE CONSENT AGENDA AS READ. 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.) 449 AUGUST 19, 2003 • 5. Audience Participation No one came forward to speak. PUBLIC HEARING 6. Public hearing on grant application from the U.S. Department Of Justice for funding the local law enforcement block grant program (See resolution) This item was discussed out of order due to the Police representative being unavailable. Captain Jeff Schneider advised that the City would be receiving $58,678 from the U.S. Department of Justice. This is a grant the City applies for each year. The amount has been reduced from previous years because of Homeland Defense. The funds will be used to enhance technology and communications. Yakima County will receive $8,802 of the funds through an inter -local agreement, therefore, the City's portion will be $49,876. • Mayor Place opened the public hearing. No one came forward to speak. • Mayor Place closed the public hearing The City Clerk read the resolution by title only; SIMS MOVED AND GEORGE SECONDED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. • RESOLUTION NO. R- 2003 -111, A RESOLUTION ratifying application for a grant in the total amount of $65,198 from the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Administration, for funding the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program, and designating and authorizing the City Manager to act as the official representative of the City of Yakima and to take such additional steps, including but not limited to execution of all necessary documents and contracts as may be necessary and prudent to complete transactions associated with the grant. CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS * 7. Reconsideration of continuing the interim policy options for outside utility services The staff report and recommendation to continue the current City Outside Utility Service Policy was accepted. 8. Consideration of legislation regarding clearview abatement and hazardous vegetation and debris abatement: A. Resolution authorizing abatement of intersection clearview violation at 102 Gilbert Drive, DeLoris Boaz Joan Davenport, Traffic Engineering Supervisor, explained that there are two issues; a clearview violation at the intersection of Gilbert Drive and Barge Avenue, and a 2 450 AUGUST 19, 2003 problem with vegetation overhanging the streets. It was brought to the City's attention in May by a neighbor. Since that time they have sent courtesy letters and met on -site with the owner, Mrs. DeLoris Boaz. With regard to the sight distance issue, it is a problem northbound on Gilbert trying to look down Barge. There are also some very large tree limbs that overhang and prohibit the street sweepers from accessing that street. City Manager Zais interjected that there may be some community volunteers willing to step forward and work with Mrs. Boaz in regard to this issue. Lynn Buchanan is involved and said there are volunteers to assist with the clean up if we give it a little time. Ms. Davenport advised that they have met with Mrs. Boaz on site several times, as recently as yesterday, to show her exactly what needed to happen to comply. They offered a City crew and the DOC crew and brought them to the site this morning. Mrs. Boaz was uncomfortable with that and sent them away. DeLoris Boaz, 102 Gilbert Drive, described the history of the lot. She thought she had another week and discovered she only had one day to complete the clearing she was attempting to do herself. She brough't up her confusion about being told she could be subject to eviction because she did not have potable domestic water in her house. She claimed that no one has the right to come onto a person's property and tell them that they shall cut/remove all vegetation to a height of three inches. She accused her neighbors of not coming directly to her and also commented that she doesn't like their yards either. She does not believe the people in authority have exercised their responsibility justly and would like more time to finish the job herself. Chris Wright, 107 Gilbert Drive, advised Council that a number of neighbors have approached Mrs. Boaz because of concerns about the safety of the neighborhood. The current houses north of Mrs. Boaz's place cannot use their fireplaces because of her overgrown trees. He said she is a good neighbor and a good woman but the neighborhood is going downhill and they are concerned for her safety in the event of a fire. The City Clerk read the resolution by title only; SIMS MOVED AND GEORGE SECONDED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION. The motion carried by a unanimous roll call vote. Mayor Place instructed Mrs. Boaz that she has ten days to resolve the clearview problem with or without the City's help, or the City will have to do it. RESOLUTION NO. R- 2003 -112, A RESOLUTION authorizing enforcement of intersection clearview violation at 102 Gilbert Drive, as described in Yakima Municipal Code 8.80.010 and Yakima Municipal Code 8.80.040. B. Resolution authorizing abatement of hazardous vegetation and debris at: 1. 102 Gilbert Drive, DeLoris Boaz Linda Rossignol, Code Compliance Officer, explained that there is access to a Department of Corrections crew every Thursday and they could be allocated for this type of action. Ken Harper, legal counsel for the City, advised that, in • terms of pursuing an abatement process, the City has certain rights to go on the property to serve the public good. The discussion went into the fire danger for this level of overgrowth and Mr. Harper commented that public safety is relevant and there is no constitutional prohibition against Council proceeding to a determination. Mrs. Boaz may have some appeal rights. 3 451 AUGUST 19, 2003 Mrs. Rossignol explained that it is the undergrowth, not the trees, that need to be reduced to a 3" level. Mrs. Boaz claimed there are no weeds, that they are all plants and if the "undergrowth" is cut the whole decor of the home is lost. 2. 3602 Kern Road, L & J Properties, LLC A site visit was made this morning and this property was found to be almost cleaned up. Given a little more time, it will surely be cleaned up. No one from the property was present to speak. 3. 4408 Englewood Avenue, Gerardo & Dora Gonzalez No one was present to speak. 4. 802 E. Russell Lane, Diane R. & Steven G -T Paullin Ken Harper, City legal counsel, explained that this is an abatement for a quantity of tires located near West Washington and South 1 Avenue. The correspondence supplied clearly outlines the circumstances. Mr. Harper reviewed the details of that correspondence: • On May 28, 2003 Chuck Heath, Fire Inspector, sent a letter to Steven Paullin of Pacific Truck Parts, stating that the tire storage area did not comply and why. Arrangements were to be made in 30 days to remove the hazard. • On May 30 Mr. Skala, attorney for Pacific Truck Parts, suggests that one arm of the County doesn't know what the other arm is doing and that the County is in the best position to deal with this. • Attorneys discussed that the openness of the site was a problem and as a result Mr. Paullin fenced the site. • In a letter dated June 19 Mr. Skala said his client was looking for an inexpensive contractor to remove the tires and that they understood they would have to be removed. • , Mr. Harper pointed out in a June 24th letter that although the fencing was a good faith gesture, the tires still have to be removed. • Received a letter back indicating a truck should be arriving next week from Oregon so they can begin to haul them away. • At that time, Mr. Harper suggested to the Code Enforcement staff that they let them have time to get the tires removed. • As of mid - August no tires have been removed and Mr. Paullin now has a contract with someone to bale the tires. Mr. Harper summarized that, since spring, Code Enforcement has been looking at a quantity of tires that represents a significant fire hazard according to our fire department. The City has been overly lax in getting this issue abated. The probability of this going up in flames is difficult to estimate, but the consequences would be disastrous. If the landowner cannot remove the tires, then they need to be removed by the City before a serious fire situation develops. It is not totally clear who has legal liability for the tires but it is the Code Department's position that it doesn't matter. The City has to act on a violation and there hasn't been much voluntary compliance. Roland Skala, 3910 Summitview Avenue, legal counsel for Mr. Paullin, responded to Mr. Harper's comments. He referenced the September 2000 letter from the fire code inspector giving permission to Mr. Scott Borup, who rented the property from Mr. Paullin, to operate a tire baling facility. He 4 452 AUGUST 19, 2003 commented that they expected the City would enforce standards on the facility. Once it was apparent that Mr. Borup went bankrupt, Mr. Paullin wanted someone to help solve the problem of the County's tires on his property. He believes they are the County's tires. He claimed they don't want those tires there any more than the City does and are baling them up with the intention of getting rid of them. He also claimed that once they are baled they are no longer a fire hazard. He clarified that they are asking for time to get it cleaned up. They have someone baling them and it is progressing faster than the City would be able to make it happen if they took over compliance action. Once the tires are baled, they become a product that can be sold. It is their ultimate goal to sell them and remove them from the property. Brian Schaeffer, Deputy Fire Chief, said he visited the site and is very concerned about the fire hazard these tires present. He made three main points:. • He said a tire fire is considered a fire of a hazardous material as they produce over 32 toxic chemicals, two of which are known carcinogens. He also claimed that tires are not less likely to catch on fire if they are baled. • EPA does define a tire fireras an immediate danger to life and health. If they were in compliance with the fire code this wouldn't be an issue. • This pile currently is around 23,000 sq. ft. of tires. Approval was given in the year 2000 for 5,000 sq. ft. of tires, under certain conditions that were not followed. Jim Penor, 1638 Alder in Richland, described his background and experience with solid waste and recycling and noted he has worked with Ecology on tires since 1996. He has cleaned up six or seven illegal piles of tires for the County. He has worked with fire departments and has a lot of information on baled tires and their safety. He described a bale of tires as 100 tires compressed into a block 21' wide by 4' high and 5' long, with all the oxygen removed. In a controlled test, a baled tire fire was put out with water relatively easily. He then spoke about the fire fighting issue and said he will provide the Fire Department with all the information on tire bales, claiming it is not as extensive of a fire hazard as loose tires. Other issues that need to be considered when remediating a pile of tires are snakes, varmints, and things such as the West Nile virus. Tires are a breeding ground for mosquitoes but baled tires do not hold larvae. His proposal is to bale the tires and hold them until they can be sold. They would be removed within a year if they don't sell. Mayor Place suggested continuing this particular abatement issue for two weeks in order to get more information. It could be reviewed again at the next City Council Meeting. Joe Caruso, Supervising Code Inspector and a retired fire chief from New Jersey, talked about his experience with tire fires and expressed great concern at the risk the tires pose, either loose or baled. GEORGE MOVED AND MATTSON SECONDED TO DEFER 802 E. RUSSELL LANE TO THE SEPTEMBER 2ND COUNCIL MEETING. The motion carried by 5 -1 voice vote; Barnett voting nay. 5. 205 S. 65' Avenue, K. Preston & Nicole D. Rosdahl No one was present from this address. 5 AUGUST 19 2003 4 5 3 The City Clerk read the resolution by title only. After discussion it was determined that 3602 Kern has already been abated and the property at Russell Lane has been deferred until the next Council Meeting. Cheryl Wright, 107 Gilbert Drive, requested the details of the fire department's findings when they visited the 102 Gilbert Drive property. Captain Joe Riel explained that if there were a fire at this location it would be like a forest fire. It needs to be thinned out. There was a vote to adopt the resolution authorizing abatement of vegetation and debris at: 1. 102 Gilbert Drive 3. 4408 Englewood Avenue 5. 205 S. 65 Avenue The resolution passed by unanimous roll call vote. Mayor Place then asked Mr. Cobabe, Office of Neighborhood Development Services Manager, to speak with Mrs. Boaz to determine if we can offer her some assistance. RESOLUTION NO. R- 2003 -112, A RESOLUTION authorizing the Code Administration Manager to clear certain weedy lots. Following a short recess the meeting reconvened at 4:10 p.m. PUCCINELLI MOVED AND MATTSON SECONDED TO MOVE NUMBER 11 UP ON THE AGENDA. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. (See discussion under Item No. 11) 9. Consideration of report from Parks and Recreation Division regarding Southeast Community Center and Substance Abuse Coalition programs and request to terminate 2003 agreement with the Yakima County Substance Abuse Coalition Denise Nichols, Parks and Recreation Manager, introduced the item as a request from the Southeast Community Center to terminate the existing contract. Mayor Place interjected that the City received a letter two weeks previous asking the City to take over running the Center. Mrs. Nichols explained that the Substance Abuse Coalition Board took action to terminate the management of the Center. We accepted that action and recommend that, on an interim basis, the City keep the facility open and continue to offer services through the remainder of this year. Mrs. Nichols recommended that we go out to RFP and look for someone to run the facility on a long -term basis. But, that is a separate issue than what is before Council today. Although it will require further. research, Mrs. Nichols estimates the impact to the Parks budget at about $32,000 through the end of the year. There was further discussion on budgets and potential impacts. Mrs. Nichols advised that the City had allocated $75,000 for the Coalition to run after school recreation programs at four neighborhood sites. That had been accomplished with Americorp personnel; however, the number of personnel has now been cut. When that occurred Parks took the initiative to contact Americorp to request the assistance of a few personnel and were granted six positions. They are being recruited under Parks and Recreation. Discussion again.took place on financial details. Mrs. Nichols advised 6 454 AUGUST 19, 2003 that the action required today is to terminate the agreement with the Coalition on gang prevention activities with the City taking them over. Luz Gutierrez, 1424 South 31 Avenue, claimed that she didn't receive the information she had asked for regarding this agenda item. She said she is very concerned about this issue with the Southeast Community Center and suggested there be a study session to discuss it. She also questioned the membership of the Substance Abuse Coalition and how they are not community people and there are no minorities. She took the opportunity to also question the membership of the Parks and Recreation Commission, their tenure and their ethnicity. She opposed Parks and Recreation handling the Southeast Community Center because she doesn't feel they represent the community of Yakima. Phil Pleasant, 1202 South Fair Avenue, disagrees with having Parks and Recreation take over the community center. Mayor Place explained that we were asked to terminate the contract, the City had no choice but to take it back, and that we are considering putting it out for bid. Mr. Pleasant accused the Board of Directors of giving bad orders that was why it failed. City Council Member George gave his interpretation of what has happened; members resigning from the Board, the Toss of Federal funding for the Americorp program, and how the Substance Abuse Coalition did what they could but terminated the contract because they ran out of money. He then explained again what the plan of action is, for the City to manage the building and look for new management, and to continue the after - school programs while looking for other organizations in the community to take them over. Linda Morrison, expressed concern for the neighborhood kids and her opinion that there should have been people of color on the Board. Mayor Place stated that the City needs to be sure the community is involved in the RFP process and the running of the center. Mrs. Nichols again informed Council that they are not asking for any action today. It was her intent to advise that Parks will keep those doors open and will try to use existing staff to continue to offer the services there today. It is a stopgap measure instead of locking the doors. MATTSON MOVED AND GEORGE SECONDED TO TERMINATE THE 2003 AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY CENTER AND THE CITY AS OF AUGUST 31 ST . The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. Carl Falls, 909 South 6 th Street, claimed that Henry Beauchamp and Ester Huey do not represent the blacks in the city. Tony Williams, 619 South 17 Avenue, said he would like to become a member of the Board and was advised by Mayor Place to contact Mary Hernandez at the Center to fill out the proper form. 10. Consideration of Council direction relating to recommendations of the Capital Facilities Committee re the rebuilding /paving of arterial streets and alleys: A. Set dates of public hearings for September 2, 2003 at 2:00 p.m.; September 9, 2003 at 7:00 p.m.; and September 16, 2003 at 7:30 a.m. 7 455 AUGUST 19, 2003 B. Consideration of draft legislation enacting recommendations of the Capital Facilities Committee re the rebuilding /paving of arterial streets and alleys: and Consideration of Resolution directing formal amendments to the City's Capital Facilities Plan and Comprehensive Plan: Option 1: Consideration of draft ordinance amending Municipal Code enacting increase in City public utility taxes by 3% for City water, sewer, Refuse Division and Nob Hill Water to finance Councilmatic Bonds for funding arterial street improvements /gravel streets Also, consideration of draft ordinance amending Municipal Code . and enacting a second quarter percent real- estate excise tax for arterial street maintenance and gravel streets Option 2: Consideration of draft ordinance amending Municipal Code enacting increase in City public utility taxes by 3% for city water, sewer, Refuse Division and Nob Hill Water to establish on -going resources to finance arterial street improvements without issuing bonds. Also, consideration of draft ordinance amending Municipal Code and enacting a second quarter percent real- estate excise tax for arterial streets maintenance and gravel streets Option 3: Consideration of draft ordinance calling for a municipal election /ballot proposition to increase private utility taxes for telephone, power and gas by 1`)/0 to generate resources for arterial street improvements and gravel streets without issuing bonds. Also, consideration of draft ordinance amending Municipal Code and enacting a second quarter percent real- estate excise tax for arterial streets maintenance and gravel streets Mayor Place explained that this item is to set the date of three public hearings and to have draft legislation for each of the three options. Those options will be provided at • the public hearings and will be adapted to meet the outcome and to be brought back to the City Council. There was a lengthy discussion on the reasoning behind including the resolution in this agenda item. City Manager Zais explained that staff was directed to prepare any and all legislation for this agenda item and to set the hearings. The resolution is necessary for direction but now is not the time to act on it. Action on a resolution will be after the conclusion of the public hearings. Council Member Puccinelli spoke about this causing a perception problem while Council Member Mattson countered that the intent of the draft resolution is to give a starting point for debate. It was the consensus of the Council to add two options: 1) Revise or amend the options, and 2) Do nothing. SIMS MOVED AND BARNETT SECONDED TO SET THE PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR SEPTEMBER 2 2:00 P.M., SEPTEMBER 9 AT 7:00 P.M., AND SEPTEMBER 16 AT 7:30 A.M. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. 11. Review of plans and specifications and consideration of legislation for expansion of the Police Stations /Legal Center /Municipal Court facility: A. Resolution authorizing execution of contract with Wardell Architects Susan Woodard, presiding'judge for the municipal court, gave background information on the proposed expansion. The existing facility was built to accommodate a satellite court facility designated to handle in- custody matters of 8 456 AUGUST 19, 2003 those people housed at the City of Yakima detention facility. Following a comprehensive study by the City Council in 1996 it was deemed appropriate that the City should open its own municipal court and did so on January 1, 1997. The City had to modify existing space to accommodate a full service, full -scale municipal court. To do that they took over much of the space originally designated for the Police Department. As the caseload and the jurisdiction of the court grew, so did the need for space. She then described specific needs to be considered when expanding the facility. A new plan will address those major concerns and alleviate congestion in the police records area by returning much needed space back to police. The City Clerk read the resolution by title only. SIMS MOVED AND PUCCINELLI SECONDED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION. The motion passed by unanimous roll call vote. RESOLUTION NO. R- 2003 -114, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager of the City of Yakima to execute an Architectural Services Agreement with Wardell Architects, P.S. to provide Architectural Services for Expansion of the Municipal Court at the Police /Legal Center in an amount not to exceed $76,000. B. First Reading of ordinance amending the 2003 budget and appropriating funds for expansion project An Ordinance amending the 2003 budget and appropriating funds for expansion project, was read by title only, and laid on the table until September 2, 2003 for a second reading. *12. Consideration of Resolution authorizing execution of consulting services agreement with KWA Ecological Services, Inc. to review the floodplain and shoreline area regulations RESOLUTION NO. R- 2003 -115, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager of the City of Yakima to execute an agreement with KWA Ecological Services, Inc. for the purpose of reviewing the floodplain and shoreline area regulations. *13. Consideration of Resolution authorizing execution of professional services with Marsh Advantage America for insurance risk management brokerage services RESOLUTION NO. R- 2003 -116, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager of the City of Yakima to execute a professional services contract for property and casualty insurance broker and risk management services with Marsh Advantage America. *14. This item was removed from the agenda *15. Approval of Right -of -Way Use permit requested by Hop Union for loading dock at 204 Division Street The Right -of -Way Use permit for a loading dock, parking area and fencing in the right -of -way at 204 Division Street, requested by Hopunion USA, Inc. was approved. *16. Approval of the 2002 Yakima Police Department Annual Report The 2002 Yakima Police Department Annual Report was approved. 9 457 AUGUST 19, 2003 *17. Set date of public hearing for September 23, 2003 to consider a SEPA appeal for Irwin Property September 23, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. was set as the date of open record public hearing to consider a SEPA appeal filed by Irwin for property in the vicinity of North 16 Avenue, north of River Road. ORDINANCES *18. Consideration of legislation relating to Bonneville Power Administration Grant for Habitat Improvement Project A. Resolution authorizing execution of amendment to the professional services agreement with Golder Associates RESOLUTION NO. R- 2003 -117, A RESOLUTION authorizing the Assistant City Manager to execute an amendment to Task Order #7 for Contract #98 -34, with Golder Associates for services necessary to develop outreach and education programs in compliance with the recently completed Habitat Improvement Master Plan, related to normative flows and habitat restoration within the jurisdictional area of the City of Yakima. B. First reading of Ordinance amending the 2003 budget and appropriating funds for Habitat Improvement Project An Ordinance amending the 2003 budget and appropriating funds for Habitat Improvement Project, was read by title only, and laid on the table until September 2, 2003 for a second reading. *19. Consideration of Ordinance amending the Municipal Code to restrict parking during certain hours on the east side of Fair Avenue adjacent to the fairgrounds • ORDINANCE NO. 2003 -52, AN ORDINANCE relating to traffic; amending the Yakima Municipal Code, Section 9.50.060, Parking Prohibited During Certain Hours on Certain Streets to add the East side of Fair Avenue between Nob Hill Boulevard and Pacific Street, during the hours between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. *20. Consideration of Ordinance amending the Municipal Code to reduce the speed limit for Stanley Boulevard between 23 and Chestnut Avenues to 20 MPH ORDINANCE NO. 2003 -53, AN ORDINANCE relating to traffic, reducing the speed limit for Stanley Boulevard between 23 Avenue and Chestnut Avenue from 25 to 20 mph, and amending Section 9.50.370 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. *21. Second reading of Ordinance amending the 2003 Budget and appropriating funds for emergency street repairs An Ordinance amending the 2003 budget and appropriating funds for emergency street repairs, previously having been read by title only at the July 15, 2003 meeting, was brought before the Council for a second reading. 10 458 AUGUST 19, 2003 ORDINANCE NO. 2003 -54, AN ORDINANCE amending the 2003 budget for the City of Yakima; and making an appropriation of $210,000 in the 141 — Street and Traffic Operations Fund for expenditure during 2003 to provide for unanticipated street repairs. *22. Second reading of Ordinance amending the 2003 Budget and appropriating funds for retirement cash out expenditures in the Equipment Rental Division An Ordinance amending the 2003 budget and appropriating funds for unanticipated retirement cash -outs in the Equipment Rental Division, previously having been read by title only at the July 15, 2003 meeting, was brought before the Council for a second reading. ORDINANCE NO. 2003 -55, AN ORDINANCE amending the 2003 budget for the City of Yakima; and making an appropriation of $100,000 in the 551 — Equipment Rental Fund for expenditure during 2003 to provide for unanticipated retirement cash -outs. 23. Other Business There was no other business brought up at this time, but following discussion on Item No. 24, Council Member Mattson brought up the following issue. Council Member Mattson referenced a discussion at the Transit Committee meeting about hard surfacing residential streets and alleys and how the City is one year into a three-year program. He asked that this be explained to the public because he thinks it affects Council's decision on the Capital Facilities issue. Chris Waarvick, Public Works Director, explained that by next week the Streets Department would be done with a second coating on five miles of dirt streets. He said over the next two years the department will move successively westward. In doing so they will remove a huge amount of maintenance and improve the City's chances for federal grants. This method costs approximately $40,000 a mile. It does not supplant a neighborhood wishing to have curb, gutter, and sidewalks, but it does address the basic issue of putting a hard surface on these streets. The lifespan of this surface can be a number of years. • Information Items Items of information provided to Council were: Agenda for the August 20, 2003 Community Review Board Meeting; Report on Office of Neighborhood Development Services sponsored Celebration in the Park and notice of August 14, 2003 Community Development Block Grant HOME Annual Action Plan public input meeting; Planning Assignments Pending as of the Week of August 19, 2003; The Yakima County Labor Economy for June 2003 (corrected version); Washington Labor Market, July 2003; and Public Service Announcement re: Shut -down of Glenn Drive Irrigation System CLOSED RECORD PUBLIC HEARING 24. Closed Record Public Hearing to consider the Hearing Examiner's recommendation relating to a rezone application by Richard Ehlers for property at 718 North 34t Avenue Bruce Benson, Senior Planner, explained that this item is a master application for a project specific rezone from R -2 to R -3 multi family. It also is a class 3 application 11 459 AUGUST) 9, 2003 for a medical office building to be located in an R -3 zone. The hearing was held June 26 at which no one spoke in opposition. The Hearing Examiner issued a recommendation for approval on July 11 City Staff concurs with the Hearing Examiner's recommendation. Council members had no ex -parte contact to declare. J • Mayor Place opened the public hearing. Lee Buxley, 804 North 34 Avenue, expressed confusion about rezoning to R -3 for the construction of a medical office building. Mr. Benson explained the process to her. • Mayor place closed the public hearing SIMS MOVED AND PUCCINELLI SECONDED TO ACCEPT THE HEARING EXAMINER'S RECOMMENDATION WITH THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. 25 Adjournment At 5:20 p.m., GEORGE MOVED AND PUCCINELLI SECONDED TO ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR 15 MINUTES WITH IMMEDIATE ADJOURNMENT THEREAFTER. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. • Following the Executive Session, the meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: � r��• ,,`_,.. .j% --7 to 3 COUNCI MEMBE ,` DATE .�t��/1 1 71 o3 CO NCIL MEMB R. DA E ATTEST: K .2 /fit CITY CLERK MARY PLACE, MAYOR Minutes prepared by Linda Watkins and Karen Roberts. An audio and video tape of this meeting are available in the City Clerk's Office • 12