HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/04/2003 Business Meeting 2 ``1
CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
BUSINESS MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 4, 2003 - 2:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL
1. Roll Call
Present:
Council: Mayor Mary Place, presiding, Council Members Clarence Barnett,
Paul George, John Puccinelli, and Bernard Sims
Staff: City Manager Zais, City Attorney Paolella and City Clerk Roberts
2. Invocation /Pledge of Allegiance
Council Member Barnett led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Open Discussion for the Good of The Order /Special Presentation
A. Proclamations
• Yakima Valley Zonta Club's 50 Anniversary
Mayor Place proclaimed November 5, 2003 as Yakima Valley Zonta Club's 50
Anniversary. Mary Lou Schneider accepted the proclamation on behalf of Zonta.
B. Appoint Review Council Committee for the Local Review Board for Historic
Preservation
Mayor Place noted that two of the Council committee members for this review board
are no longer on Council and as a result, two volunteers are needed. Council
Members Sims and George volunteered. The Board will review the applications
received to date and make recommendations to the full Council.
C. Status report on prior meeting's citizen service request
Joe Caruso, Supervising Code Inspector, gave an overview of activities that have
taken place on the Doty project at 45 and Summitview Avenue. He also
advised that they are now sending weekly status mailings out to the neighbors.
Work is progressing more quickly than in the past.
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. There were no changes. 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.)
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*A. Approval of the minutes of the October 21, 2003 Business Meeting
The minutes of the October 21, 2003 Business meeting were approved, having
been duly certified accurate by two Council members and no one present
wishing to have said minutes read publicly.
5. Audience Participation
Sandy Massong - Lloyd, 5501 West Arlington Avenue, suggested an ordinance be
passed addressing the problems associated with large retail chains trying to set up
stores in the City of Yakima. She also referred to legislation that is being considered
by the State of Washington on no new growth for Wal -Mart within the state. Mayor
Place requested she supply a copy of that information to the City.
Robert Lovendusky, 508 North 63 Avenue, voiced objection to the Council taking
any action on a tax increase prior to the new Council members being seated.
Martin Chacon, 205 West Chestnut, asked how properties are selected for historic
preservation. Mayor Place explained that we are only creating a board. She advised
that the owner of the property would have to apply to be selected for historic
preservation.
. PUBLIC HEARING
6. Public hearing on consideration of legislation pertaining to ad valorem property
tax levy for collection in 2004:
A. An ordinance authorizing a 1% increase in the City's annual regular
levy from the amount levied the previous year
B. An ordinance fixing and levying the amount of ad valorem taxes for
the 2004 budget
Cindy Epperson, Financial Services Manager, gave a brief overview of the
property tax levy. The 2004 operating levy is $13.2 million which is about
$300,000 more than the 2003 levy. The 1% increase equates to about
$129,000 and will go towards payment of LEOFF 1 Fire and Police Pension
medical costs that, by law, we pay at 100 %.
• Mayor Place opened the public hearing
No one came forward to speak.
• Mayor Place closed the public hearing
In response to Mr. Lovendusky's earlier comment about delaying action on tax
increases, City Manager Zais explained that this action must be turned in to the
County before November 15 Therefore, it has to be done before the new
council is seated. This is a statutory requirement and the statutory deadlines
are set by state law.
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CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS
7. Consideration of recommendations on the 2004 Community Service Contract
Awards
Bill Cobabe, Office of Neighborhood Development Services Manager, explained why
the timing has changed for these considerations and the process used to reach these
recommendations. Submissions were reviewed by a citizen's committee and their
recommendations were then reviewed by the City Council subcommittee. The
subcommittee made one revision and the recommendations are now being presented
to the City Council.
Betty Gaudette, 701 North 6 Street, questioned why the process was changed and
why the citizen's recommendations were modified. She also was displeased with the
minimal amount of time they had to review the submissions requesting that next time
they be given the information sooner.
Luz Gutierrez, 1424 South 31 Avenue, questioned why, when the citizen's committee
rated their New Americans Center as number two, it was removed by the Council
subcommittee. She was advised that she would have an opportunity to discuss this at
a future meeting. Council Member Puccinelli also explained that the program was
removed because the subcommittee thought it was a duplication of existing programs
that are in place today. Dr. Bernal Baca, 408 South l4t Avenue, spoke on behalf of
this proposal. It was his opinion that it was not a duplication as this project would be a
collection of data that would assist the other programs mentioned. Council reminded
them that there would be a public hearing on CDBG funds December 2nd at which time
they will have the opportunity to speak about their program.
Lynne Kittelson, 305 North 9 street, said she has a problem with the process. She
also requested the information Mr. Cobabe referred to that states that you have to have
specific programs in the Action Plan from specific agencies.
James A. Stewart, 1415 Jefferson, expressed disapproval of Council's spending
decisions and taxes.
Phil Pleasant, 1202 Fair Avenue, was displeased about the Council subcommittee
making a change to the citizen committee's recommendation.
SIMS MOVED AND GEORGE SECONDED TO MOVE THE RECOMMENDATIONS
FORWARD TO BE INCLUDED IN THE ACTION PLAN. The motion carried by
unanimous voice vote.
8. Consideration of Council Economic Committee recommendation regarding:
A. Professional consulting services to develop multi -year action plans for
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the Central Business District Area
James Stickel, Yakima Downtown Association chairman and also on the
interim Board of Directors of the Yakima Downtown Partnership, explained
what has taken place to date with community strategy session groups. A
vision of the downtown was developed as a gathering place for entertainment,
culturally and ethnically integrated, to make it clean and safe, and to provide
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increased residential housing. They have created a summary draft from the
facilitated meetings. They are now asking for help to finish the work; to
develop the plan of how to get to where we want to be with the downtown.
This request is asking for help to pay for a professional to do that.
Luz Gutierrez, 1424 South 31 Avenue, commented that the partnership had
already received CDBG dollars in the past. She said the requested funding
was not recommended by the citizen's committee and hoped their meetings
were not in vain.
Discussion continued clarifying where the different funds were from and how
over the years the City has participated in a number of programs, small and
large, that generated money from other sources, non - federal in nature.
Further discussion surrounded the issue of whether or not programs were
being funded more than once. Lynne Kittelson expressed concern that some
agencies seem to be continuously funded and others have just given up. She
also asked for copies of all the programs that were funded in this cycle.
Betty Gaudette spoke again saying it was her opinion that this is a terribly
flawed process. She suggestED time be scheduled to review the process for
CDBG funds.
Kathy Coffey, Executive Director of the Convention Center, apologized to Mrs.
Gaudette and the committee and took responsibility for this request being out
of the cycle.
Hector Franco, 850 North 28 Avenue, explained that the citizens have been
working with the City on the CDBG funds for the last month and a half and it is
his perception that this project came up immediately after the citizen group met
and rejected the idea. He said it was rejected because it was felt the groups
underneath were not coordinated, did not have a plan, and they have other
sources of money and, most importantly, did not connect with the community.
Mr. Stickel countered that they have been working on this project since
October 2002.
James Stewart spoke again commenting on problems he has had with one of
his neighbor's property on the northeast side of town, indicating it should be
condemned.
SIMS MOVED AND PUCCINELLI SECONDED TO APPROVE THE
RECOMMENDATION TO FUND $35,000 TO CONTRACT WITH A
CONSULTANT. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
B. Improvements to parking lot located on North Front Street adjacent to the
Barrel House
George Pechtel, 510 North 29 Place, introduced Craig Rath, who gave
a brief history of activities on the subject parking lot. Mr. Rath, 314 North
73 Avenue, is the owner of Rath Construction and is a partner in the
Barrel House Restaurant. There is a plan for a partnership between the
City, the County, and the North Front Street District Association whereby
the County will forego it's lease on the parking lot in lieu of an
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undetermined number of parking spaces, andihe Front Street Association
would have the opportunity to redevelop that parking lot and enhance the
Front Street District for entertainment opportunities. They have plans and
engineering ready to go for the parking lot and the funding they are
asking for would enhance the parking lot with phase 1, lighting and
landscaping. They would then go after funding next year to finish off what
they hope would be an entertainment venue for the Front Street District.
Mayor Place advised that we checked on the six -year Transportation
Improvement Program (TIP) and don't believe it requires amendment.
COUNCIL MEMBER SIMS MOVED AND PUCCINELLI SECONDED TO
APPROVE $30,000 FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CITY
OWNED PARKING LOT LOCATED ON NORTH FRONT STREET
ADJACENT TO THE BARREL HOUSE. The motion carried by
unanimous roll call vote.
*9. Consideration of Resolution approving renewal of agreement with the Tri- County
Water Resource Agency for office space at the Public Works Facility
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2003 -137, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City
Manager of the City of Yakima to execute an amendment to extend the Office Use
Agreement between the City and the Tri- county Water Resource Agency for an
additional year.
*10. Consideration of Resolution authorizing execution of amendment to the Reid
Shockey contract
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2003 -138, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager of the
City of Yakima to execute an amendment to City Contract No. 2003 -43 with Shockey
Brent, Inc. for environmental review services related to the transfer of a portion of
Larson Park to Yakima Valley Community College.
*11. Approval of Right -of -Way Use Permit for a sign for Today's Yesteryears at 509 W.
Yakima Avenue, requested by Deborah Thompson
The Right -of -Way Use Permit requested by Dwinell's Visual Systems on behalf of
Deborah Thompson, to install a new sign cabinet at 509 West Yakima Avenue for
Today's Yesteryears was approved.
*12. Set date of closed record public meeting for November 18, 2003 to consider the
Hearing Examiner's recommendation for a variance for access to property
located at 201 South 88`h Avenue, requested by Gaylord Newby
November 18, 2003 was set as the date for a closed record public meeting to consider
the Hearing Examiner's recommendation on a variance requested by Gaylord Newby
for property located at 201 South 88 Avenue.
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*13. Set date of public hearing for December 2, 2003 to consider the Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Proposals
December 2, 2003 was set as the date of public hearing to receive comments on the
2004 Community Development Block Grant and HOME Draft Annual Action Plan.
ORDINANCES
14. Consideration of Ordinance authorizing the issuance of an Irrigation Revenue
Bond
City Manager Zais explained that this is the ordinance to move forward with the plans
for rehabilitation and reconstruction of the City's general irrigation system. He advised
that the actual sale of the bonds will not occur until early 2004.
Rita Anson, Budget and Finance Director, and Tim Jensen, Treasury Services Officer,
were available for questions. The opt -out option was discussed and Dave Brown,
Acting Water Manager, explained that there was a list of 15 criteria that allowed
people to opt out. There have been about 30 applications to opt out and about half
have been approved.
Phil Pleasant, 1202 Fair Avenue, had questions regarding the process and if he
would get benefit of this rebuild project because they are in a Hub zone. City Manager
Zais explained current status of the project and the CDBG funds available for
residents to apply for individual neighborhood connections.
Lynne Kittelson, 305 North Ninth Street, asked for information on what portions have
already been repaired, how much of the system did the repair involve and what the
repair costs were. Mr. Brown gave a general overview of repairs that have been done.
The City Clerk read the ordinance by title only, SIMS MOVED AND PUCCINELLI
SECONDED TO PASS THE ORDINANCE. The motion carried by a 3 - 2 roll call vote;
George and Place voting nay.
ORDINANCE NO. 2003 -68, AN ORDINANCE of the City of Yakima, Washington,
authorizing the issuance and sale of irrigation system revenue bonds of the City in the
principal amount of not to exceed $10,000,000 in one or more series and fixing the
terms and covenants of the bonds.
Following a brief break to change the video tape, the meeting reconvened at 4:08 p.m.
*15. Consideration of Ordinance adopting the 2003 Comprehensive Plan
Amendments
ORDINANCE NO. 2003 -69, AN ORDINANCE concerning land use regulation and
comprehensive planning; amending the Future Land Use Map the Yakima Urban
Area Comprehensive Plan; changing the classification of the parcel located at 4001
Englewood Avenue on the Future Land Use Map from Medium Density Residential to
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Neighborhood Commercial; changing the classification of the parcel located at 406
North 23 Avenue on the Future Land Use Map from Medium Density Residential to
Neighborhood Commercial; and changing the classification of the parcel located at
1702 South 24 Avenue on the Future Land Use Map from Light Industrial to Arterial
Commercial.
CLOSED RECORD PUBLIC HEARING
16. Closed Record Public Hearing to consider the Hearing Examiner's
recommendation on the rezone of property located at the NE corner of Douglas
Drive and North 42 Avenue, requested by Dr. Michael Taylor
Bruce Benson, Supervising Senior Planner, described this item as a closed record
hearing to rezone 2.44 acres of property located at the corner of North 42 Avenue
and Douglas Drive from R -1, Single - Family Residential, to B -1, Professional Business.
There were no objections at the hearing and one letter of support was received. There
will be medical office buildings put in this location. Staff recommended approval of the
rezone.
• Mayor Place opened the public hearing.
No one came forward to speak to the issue.
• Mayor Place closed the public hearing.
SIMS MOVED AND BARNETT SECONDED TO APPROVETHE HEARING
EXAMINER'S RECOMMENDATION WITH THE CONDITIONS STATED. The motion
carried by unanimous voice vote.
17. Other Business
• Information
Items of information provided to Council were: Flyer on free workshops titled "City
After Hours" focusing on various topics relating to property issues; 10/28/03 Letter from
The Salvation Army re: Kettle Kick Off Friday, November 21; 10/28/03 Letter sent to
Neighbors of N. 45 & Summitview Avenue re: Jude Doty project status; Agenda for the
November 5, 2003 Community Review Board meeting; Planning Assignments Pending
as of the Week of November 4, 2003; Labor Market and Economic Analysis
18. Executive Session regarding Pending Litigation and Collective Bargaining
SIMS MOVED AND PUCCINELLI SECONDED TO MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE
SESSION ON PENDING LITIGATION AND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING FOR
APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES WITH ADJOURNMENT THEREAFTER TO
NOVEMBER 10, 2003 FOR SPECIAL EXECUTIVE SESSION ON THE CITY
MANAGER'S EVALUATION AND ANNUAL REPORT, THEN TO NOVEMBER 12,
2003 ADJOURNED BUSINESS MEETING ON'AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAX
LEGISLATION AT 8:30 A.M. AND BUDGET REVIEW AT 9:00 A.M. The motion
carried by unanimous voice vote.
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