HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/02/2003 Business Meeting 5
CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
BUSINESS MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 2, 2003 - 2:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL
1. RoII Call
Present:
Council: Mayor Mary Place, presiding, Council Members Clarence Barnett,
Ron Bonlender, Paul George, John Puccinelli, Bernard Sims, and
Susan Whitman
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 Bonlender.
3. Open Discussion for the Good of the Order /Special Presentation
A. Proclamations
• A.C. Davis Business Week
Mayor Place read a proclamation declaring December 1 -5, as A.C. Davis
Business Week in the City of Yakima. Mr. Steve Hyer, Executive Director of
the Foundation for Private Enterprise Education out of Olympia, accepted the
proclamation. He described the project and invited the Council members to
visit. He requested the City of Yakima consider giving financial support to this
project in the future.
B. Status report on prior meeting's citizen service requests:
> Kevin Lavis
Shelley Wilson, Streets and Traffic Operations Manager, reported that, based
on research with neighbors and the Fire Department, no additional restrictions
are recommended at this time to limit parking on 42nd Avenue. Kevin Lavis
reiterated his original request stating that his problem was with the employer
requiring his employees to park on the street rather than utilize the parking lot.
He said according to Code Enforcement they have ample parking and there is
no reason for them to be parking on the street, yet they still do it. His original
intent was to determine whether this was a code violation that could be
enforced to stop the on- street parking.
> Maud Scott
Shelley Willson, Street and Traffic Operations Manager, said that in response
to Mrs. Scott's request to reduce through- traffic in the South 6 th Street area,
they had made some revisions at the traffic signal to encourage people not to
drive through the neighborhood. They plan to go back in the spring and take
counts to see what the results of those changes are.
> Lynne Kittelson
Mr. Cobabe has responded to Mrs. Kittelson in writing citing the regulation and
giving an interpretation of what is new from HUD with regard to their planning
process.
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C. Special recognition to Richard Andring and Brian Williams from the Fire
Department
• Richard Andring was recognized for attaining the National Fire Academy
title of Executive Fire Officer.
• Brian Williams was recognized for rescuing a civilian from a fire.
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. Items Nos. 4A and 7 were 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.)
*A. Approval of the minutes of the November 4, 2003 Adjourned and
Business Council Meetings and November 10, 2003 Adjourned meeting
(Executive Session)
The minutes of the November 4, 2003 Adjourned and Business meetings and
November 10, 2003 Adjourned 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
Velma Perez, President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, asked that Council
appoint Hispanics to City boards and commissions and educate Latino businesses
on the use of Section 108 funding. Mayor Place recommended she obtain copies of
the application forms for boards and commissions from the City Clerk's office. She
also suggested contacting Michael Morales, the City's grants writer, about the
possibility of conducting educational classes in Spanish.
Maud Scott announced that the Woman's Century Club will be holding a luncheon to
help keep a historic building open.
PUBLIC HEARING
6. Public hearing on Community Development Block Grant 2004 Annual Action
Plan and HOME Program and approval,of the public input schedule for 2005-
2009 Consolidated Plan
Bill Cobabe, Manager of the Office of Neighborhood Development Services (ONDS),
gave background information on the/Annual Action Plan. Congress created the
Block Grant and HOME Programs to provide assistance to people of low and
moderate incomes. Although federal laws and regulations govern the expenditures,
the City Council makes the decisions on the use of the two funds. Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the HOME program are intended to provide
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DECEMBER 2, 2003
assistance with housing. Congress, in creating the programs, outlined specific
eligible uses for the money with a three -fold mission to provide for decent housing, a
suitable living environment, and economic expansion opportunities. The same law
mandates a specific planning process that must be followed requiring broad
opportunities for public input. The City is required to prepare long and short -term
plans, a long term consolidated plan, and the annual action plan. This hearing is to
cover the proposed Annual Action Plan for 2004. There have been eight previous
public meetings.
Bill Cook, Director of Community and Economic Development, briefly went through
the budget within the draft Action Plan. He explained that the HOME program has
two limitations; it can only be used for housing, and 15% of the program must be
made available to non - profit community housing development organizations,
CHODO's. They are recommending two changes; to reallocate $60,000 of the
Rehabilitation Program funds to the Down Payment Assistance Program, and that a
distinction be made for assistance to those houses for home ownership east of 1
Avenue and east of the railroad tracks. They recommend providing a higher dollar
figure, up to $6,000, for those houses east of the railroad tracks. These
recommendations are made as a result of input from the public process. For the
more complex CDBG Program, the initial recommendation was to follow last year's
budget of funding a contract with the National Development Council who does the
underwriting for the 108 programs. But the public recommendation was to find
another way to fund that. It is now recommended the NDC contract funding go back
to the general fund 123 account. This would be an economic development fund that
is separate from the general fund, thereby not coming out of CDBG funds.
Discussion continued on: ClientLogic, building local entrepreneurs, contracting with
Hanford, community service projects, working to rebuild target neighborhood
associations, and helping fund small volunteer- driven local programs that can't be
done with city staff.
Also discussed was the public's recommendation to increase the dollar amount to go
to the 308 irrigation project from $200,000 to $300,000, the request for a third code
enforcement officer, as well as the potential of funds for the Southeast Community
Center and Senior Center.
Council Member Puccinelli spoke about the money for the 308 Irrigation
emphasizing that those funds should only go to households that are in need of help.
He suggested eliminating anyone who is a rental property or business property
owner from receiving subsidies out of this fund. The discussion continued on the
irrigation project clarifying what would be covered by the CDBG dollars. Council
Member Sims said, because the irrigation system plan won't be available until June,
he would like this amount to remain at $200,000 and to only be used on qualified
properties, not rental owned properties, and not to fix main parts of the system.
Because of the age of the Sr. Center and SE Community Center facilities, he
suggested some of the funds be allocated there. He then spoke about putting funds
back into the sidewalk program and adding the third Code Enforcement position.
• Mayor opened the public hearing
Yvonne Craig, 4703 Tieton Drive, spoke in favor of the Senior Assistance Program.
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DECEMBER 2, 2003
Florence Dauenhauer, 502 North 23 Avenue, spoke in favor of the Senior
Assistance program.
Freda Matthews, 811 South 8 Street, also spoke in favor of the Senior Assistance
Program saying that assistance for our mothers and grandmothers is much more
important than yard irrigation.
Luz Gutierrez, 1424 South 31 Avenue, countered a comment that was made at a
previous hearing that claimed the reason her proposal was rejected was because it
was a duplication of services. She distributed a letter from the Consul that verified
that those services are not currently being provided. She also claimed that one of
the projects recommended for funding was an ongoing project and should be
considered ineligible. She claimed the proposed code enforcement position should
be the responsibility of the City and not come from CBDG funds.
Bill Lover, 2507 West Yakima Avenue, commented on many of the budget details.
He claimed that of every dollar ONDS spends, 50 cents goes for pay and benefits.
Mr. Cobabe responded that because many of the programs are government run and
the have tremendous paperwork requirements, it takes a great deal of money to run
them. He also pointed out where money is saved by doing things such as
architectural design rather than hiring it out. He described research he has done
that shows how ONDS compares to similar industries and they compare favorably.
Betty Gaudette, 701 North 6 Street, shared her opinion of what the public wanted
regarding meeting announcements, irrigation support, and Senior Assistance
Programs. She also spoke against CDBG money paying the grants writer's salary
and supplying funds for the downtown. She claimed the CDBG money is being used
in ways that are not the most beneficial to their neighborhood. It was her
understanding that the community wanted the CDBG money for irrigation to help pay
down the bonds faster, or to help pay for engineering and planning.
Lynne Kittelson, 305 North 9 Street, had questions about the public input process
and the status of the 2005 -2009 Consolidated Plan. She questioned whether the
Council had seen letters from Larry Ratts and Hector Franco. Mrs. Kittelson
complained about the 5013C requirement for social service projects and suggested
they be required to be incorporated in the State of Washington instead. She spoke
against funding the Best Self program. Mrs. Kittelson had a number of suggestions
such as intensive public education targeting problem people in the neighborhood
and a loan program for sidewalks rather than a reimbursement program.
Jamie Stickel, Chair of the Yakima Downtown Association Committee, spoke in
support of the downtown projects.
Hector Franco, 850 North 28 Avenue, claimed there has been instances where
staff lied to them and were reluctant to provide information. He also shared his
dissatisfaction of the percentage of the grants writer's salary paid by CDBG funds
well as all administrative costs.
After a short break the Council meeting reconvened at 4:10 p.m.
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DECEMBER 2, 2003
Mr. Franco continued with comments on Census Track 15, and the Best Self
program. Mr. Cook and Mr. Cobabe responded to a number of Mr. Franco's
accusations and questions.
Kathy Coffey, Executive Director of the Convention Center, spoke in support of the
request for funds for the downtown project
Javier Gutierrez, 313 South 3rd Street, asked about the "target area ". Council
Members asked Mr. Gutierrez for suggestions on how to communicate better with
the community. Mr. Gutierrez's suggestion was to look at the voting records and go
to committee meetings provided by the Yakima School District.
Carole Folsom -Hill, 15 South 6 Street (La Casa Hogar Interfaith Coalition), spoke
about the Southeast neighborhood, her appreciation of CDBG funds and agreed that
some of the funds should be used for community and neighborhood centers. She
commented that we really need to be looking at new ways to engage the community
in conversation about the neighborhood and about their needs and in doing so, we
will see new leadership evolve and new opportunities to revitalize arise. She
encouraged Council to look differently at how to get citizen participation.
Maud Scott, Southeast Yakima, said that the process needs to start much earlier
With regard to irrigation, it was her suggestion to identify people of low income and
give them a reduced rate, or subsidize with CDBG money. She said the $200,000 of
CDBG funds for irrigation was intended to be used to benefit the project. She also
commented on the 50/50 sidewalk program, Census Track 15, the addition of a
Code Enforcement officer, and the graffiti van.
Luz Gutierrez spoke about language problems.
George Pechtel, agreed with Council Member Puccinelli's suggestion on irrigation
that if the property is for a business, such as rentals, it shouldn't be subsidized. He
also spoke about the need for expanding the seniors program. Mr. Pechtel spoke in
support of the effects in Yakima over the years from the millions of dollars from HUD
and the millions that have been leveraged from HUD funds. He said one problem is
the tendency to fix the material things of disadvantaged people when they really
need the opportunity to earn money and that can be done through economic
development. He complimented staff for their expertise in economic development.
Mr. Pechtel refuted the neighborhood claims of conspiracies and all their negative
comments, saying the staff has done a marvelous job. He also agreed that the
target area is bigger than just the northeast and southeast neighborhoods and
suggested getting input from other areas as well during the planning processes.
• Mayor Place closed the public hearing
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DECEMBER 2, 2003
CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS
*7. Consideration of Resolution calling for ballot proposition for special election
on the Cottonwood Annexation
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2003 -145, A RESOLUTION of the City Council requesting
that the Yakima County Auditor call and conduct a special election on February 3,
2004 regarding the proposed annexation of certain property, commonly known as
the Cottonwood Annexation, to the City of Yakima.
*8. Consideration of Resolution approving projects for the 2003 allocation of the
Commercial Revitalization Deduction
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2003 -146, A RESOLUTION approving projects for the 2003
allocation of the federal Renewal Community Commercial Revitalization Deduction,
and directing the City Manager to submit the list of approved projects to the
Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development
(CTED) for ratification and commitment.
*9. Consideration of Resolution authorizing execution of an Interlocal Agreement
with the City of Durham, North Carolina
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2003 -147, A RESOLUTION authorizing the execution of an
Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with the City of Durham,
North Carolina.
*10. Consideration of Resolution authorizing execution of renewal agreement with
Yakima Fire District No. 12 (West Valley) for continuation of fire protection
services within the South 727 Avenue Annexation Area
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2003 -148, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City
Manager to further extend that certain Agreement for Continuation of Fire Services
by and between the City of Yakima and Yakima County (West Valley) Fire District
No. 12, dated December 31, 2002, to provide for the continuation of said agreement
and the continuation of fire services in the area commonly referred to as the South
72 Avenue Annexation in the City of Yakima, Washington.
*11. Consideration of Resolution authorizing execution of design services contract
with Scott C. Irons for Front Street Historic District renovation project
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2003 -149, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City
Manager to execute an agreement for design services between the City of Yakima
and Scott C. Irons for custom design services related to the Front Street Historic
District Renovation Project.
*12. Consideration of appointments to certain boards and commissions
A. Reappoint Beverly Warren to the Charter Civil Service Commission
Beverly Warren was re- appointed to the Charter Civil Service Commission for a six-
year term, which will expire on December 31, 2009.
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DECEMBER 2, 2003
B. Reappoint Steve Emhoff to the Community Review Board
Steve Emhoff was re- appointed to the Community Review Board for a three -year
term, which will expire on September 7, 2007.
C. Reappoint Darlene Lust to the Yakima Valley Regional Library Board
Darlene Lust was re- appointed to the Yakima Valley Regional Library Board for a
seven -year term, which will expire December 31, 2010.
*13. Motion to continue postponement of Congdon SEPA appeal hearing during
mediation sessions
The open record public hearing to consider the appeal filed by Congdon
Orchards on the issuance of Declaration of Significance that would require
the preparation of a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement was
continued while mediation continues to take place.
ORDINANCES
*14. Consideration of Ordinance adopting the Hearing Examiner's recommendation
to rezone property at the NE corner of Douglas Drive and North 42 Avenue,
requested by Dr. Michael Taylor
ORDINANCE NO. 2003 -72, AN ORDINANCE concerning land use and zoning;
rezoning the parcel located at the northwest corner of the intersection of Douglas
Drive and North 42 Avenue from Single - Family Residential (R -1) to Professional
Business (B -1); and amending the Official Yakima Urban Area Zoning Map to reflect
said rezone.
*15. First reading of Ordinance amending the 2003 Budget and appropriating funds
for the Convention Center operations during expansion construction (No
action required; second reading scheduled 12/16/03)
An Ordinance amending the 2003 budget and appropriating funds for Convention
Center increased labor costs during the expansion construction, was read by title
only, and laid on the table until December 16, 2003 for a second reading.
16. Other Business
SIMS MOVED AND GEORGE SECONDED TO ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE
SESSION FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES AND TO RECONVENE
IMMEDIATELY THEREAFTER. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. The
meeting adjourned to a brief Executive Session at 5:30 p.m.
Following the Executive Session the meeting reconvened at 5:36 p.m.
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DECEMBER 2, 2003
PUCCINELLI MOVED AND GEORGE SECONDED FOR THE CITY OF YAKIMA
TO SUBMIT A BAR COMPLAINT TO THE WASHINGTON STATE BAR
ASSOCIATION RELATING TO THE WASTEWATER ODOR LITIGATION
PROCESS. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
Information.ltems
Items of information provided to Council were: Public Service Announcement re:
Construction activities for week of December 1 -5, 2003; News Release re: Applications
sought for City of Yakima Capital Improvements /Facilities Committee and Community Review
Board; 11/24/03 Memo from Acting Water /Irrigation Manager re: Black Rock Funding
Request; Agenda for the December 3, 2003 Community Review Board meeting; Joint Civil
Service Meeting Schedule for 2004; Agenda for the December 4, 2003 Yakima Downtown
Association meeting and minutes of its November 6, 2003 meeting; Planning Assignments
Pending as of the Week of December 2, 2003; Yakima County Labor Economy for October
2003; Article from the November 26, 2003 OregonLive, "Study: Cities should join fire district ";
and Article from the November 17, 2003 Nation's Cities Weekly, "NLC Champions Support
Local Authority in Internet Tax Debate"
17. Adjournment
SIMS MOVED AND GEORGE SECONDED TO ADJOURN TO DECEMBER 3,
2003 AT 6:00 P.M. AT THE YAKIMA CENTER RED LION HOTEL FOR JOINT
MEETING WITH CITY, COUNTY, AND UNION GAP REGARDING
STORMWATER, THEN TO DECEMBER 9, 2003 FOR BUDGET WRAP -UP
SESSION. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. The meeting adjourned at
5:37 p.m.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY a s
CO CIL MEMBE DATE
/ ! 3 30
COUNCIL MEMB " PAT
ATTEST:
61Aft-v .� < -Ze— –
CITY CLERK 6 7 MARY PLACE, MAYOR
Minutes prepared by Linda Watkins. An audio and video tape of this meeting are available in the City Clerk's
Office
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