HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/05/2005 Business Meeting 97
BUSINESS MEETING
APRIL 5, 2005 - 2:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL
1. RoII CaII
Present:
Council: Mayor Paul George, presiding, Council Members Ron Bonlender,
Dave Edler, Neil McClure, Mary Place, Bernard Sims, and Susan
Whitman
Staff: City Manager Zais, City Attorney Paolella and City Clerk Roberts
2. Invocation /Pledge of Allegiance
Council Member Place requested a moment of silence in memory of Pope
John Paul 11 and then gave an invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance
led by Council Member McClure.
3. Open Discussion for the Good of The Order /Special Presentations
A. Proclamations
Volunteer Recognition Week
Mayor George read a proclamation declaring April 17 -23, 2005 as Volunteer
Recognition Week in Yakima. Vernita Adolf was present to accept the
proclamation and spoke in appreciation of the many volunteers in the
community.
People for People Day
Council Member Edler read a proclamation declaring April 7, 2005 as People
for People Day (40 anniversary). Marilyn Mason - Plunkett and Renee' Biles
were present to accept the proclamation. Marilyn told the public they are
celebrating the anniversary by holding a community food drive on April 16 to
benefit Northwest Harvest.
Three Boy Scouts from Troop 212 working on their Citizenship in the
Community merit badge were. recognized. They were: Tommy Reardon,
Patrick Reardon, and Daniel Leadon.
B. Appointments to Boards and Commissions
SIMS MOVED AND McCLURE SECONDED TO REAPPOINTMENT JON
HOPWOOD AND JIM CENCI TO THE COMMUNITY REVIEW BOARD. The
motion carried by unanimous voice vote. BONLENDER MOVED AND PLACE
SECONDED TO APPOINT MIKE MURPHY TO THE COMMUNITY REVIEW
BOARD TO FILL THE VACANT POSITION. Council Member Bonlender
advised that Greg Bohn is now the chairman of that committee.
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C. Special Presentations
Workforce Development 2005 Job Fair on April 12, 2005
Bill Cobabe, Office of Neighborhood Development Services Manager, supplied
information about the Job Fair to be held at the Convention Center on April
12 It is an annual event to help people find jobs and has been very
successful in the past.
Council Member Place requested an opportunity to give a report on Animal.
Control at the next Council Meeting.
Council Member Bonlender said he would be presenting the idea of "Cruising
the Avenue" at the Yakima Downtown Association and the Public Safety
Committee meetings and then would like the subject on the next Council
meeting agenda.
D. Status report on prior meeting's citizen service request (if any)
None
4. Consent Agenda
Mayor George 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. 16 was removed from the Agenda and Item No. 20A
was added to the Agenda. The City Clerk read the Consent Agenda items,
including resolutions and ordinances by title. SIMS MOVED AND EDLER
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 January 15, and March 8, 2005 Adjourned
meetings
The minutes of the January 15 and March 8, 2005 Adjourned meetings 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
Lynn Baxter, President of the League of Women Voters, announced the annual
Downtown Yakima luncheon to be held Friday, April 29 at noon at the Unitarian
Church. Their theme this year is Footprints for the future, New and Old business
Downtown.
Jeffery Bohlinger, a letter carrier from Branch 852, announced that the second
Saturday in May is their annual food drive. A proclamation will be done at the first
meeting in May.
Randall Leofsky came forward to thank Council for the creation of the Historic
Preservation Board. He supplied the City Manager with a job announcement used
by cities of similar size when staffing their Historic Department. He also spoke in
support of neighborhoods becoming districts.
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CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS
6. Consideration of Resolution authorizing 30 -day extension to close the Section
108 Loan for the construction of a Hilton Garden Inn at 401 East Yakima
Avenue, requested by Joe Morrier
Michael Morales, Economic and Community Specialist, explained the request from
Mr. Morrier and his company to extend the closing deadline on the Section 108 loan.
They feel 30 -days is more than sufficient to make sure it is totally complete. Joe
Morrier, 402 East Yakima Avenue, gave a status report and reaffirmed it is their
intent to open the hotel by the end of the year. The City Clerk read the resolution by
title only; EDLER MOVED AND McCLURE SECONDED TO ADOPT THE
RESOLUTION. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2005 -52, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to
execute a modification of the Conditional Approval letter, granting a 30 -day
extension for closing of a Section 108 loan to Yakima Hotel, LLC to construct a
Hilton Garden Inn Hotel.
7. Consideration of recommendations from Parks and Recreation Commission and
the Budget Strategy Team concerning future operation of City swimming pools
Denise, Nichols, Parks and Recreation Manager, reviewed the details of a report
submitted on the Parks Commission and the Budget Strategy Team's
recommendations with regard to the swimming pools. The recommendations were
the result of a critical needs analysis on the five public swimming pools identifying
approximately $500,000 worth of improvements necessary to operate the outdoor
pools as well as declining attendance. Other factors leading to their
recommendation are water costs and the fact that we are entering a drought year.
• The Parks and Recreation Commission recommend the closure of Miller and
Eisenhower pools.
• The Budget Strategy Team recommends closing Miller, Washington, and
Eisenhower pools.
• A third recommendation is to close the Eisenhower pool but not demolish it yet
and speak with the school district to determine what they would like to see in its
place.
• A fourth recommendation is to operate Washington pool this year only, close it
down next year and purchase a water spray feature for young kids.
The Council discussed the options with regard to operating costs, staffing
requirements, capital expenses, atteance, and revenues. Councembe
asked why an aquatics center wasn't nd included in the recommendations. il M Mrs. r Edier
Nichols said it is their plan to submit a policy issue during the budget process for a
feasibility study to look at an aquatics center for the community. Council Member
McClure clarified that this is not a suggestion to cut our parks system but a better
way to serve the community with existing parks dollars. If we save the money we
are losing on the pools it could be used to improve our parks for all of our citizens.
There will be free transportation available for children to get to the remaining pools.
Mike Nixon and Jackie Meyer- Garza, Parks Commissioners, both spoke to the
struggles they went through to come up with this recommendation.
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Troy Emmons, Co -Chair of the Budget Strategy Team, explained their
recommendation to close three pools was based on operating costs and declining
use.
Greta Alderson, a swim team parent, asked Council to keep the Eisenhower pool
open in support of the swim team and their meets. Linda Marzette, 1101 South 8th
Street, volunteers for Kiwanis Park during the summer and asked Council to
consider keeping Washington pool open. Alonzo Marquez, 613 North 3rd Street,
disagreed with the statements that pool usage was declining. He recommended
putting a. pool in the Kiwanis Park area. Robert Owen, 614 N 3 Street, did not think
spray toys were an adequate substitution, noted that both pools being recommended
for closure were on the east side, and questioned the statistics used. He
recommended leaving the pools open until an aquatics center is built. Sharon
Madson, sent an e-mail against closing the pools this year and suggested looking at
what other cities have done. James Parks, 1119 Garfield Avenue, came to the
meeting representing his basketball team. They are concerned about losing
alternatives for entertainment. Jessica Kiehl spoke about each of the pools and their
benefits. Tom Lovell, 116 -2 North 50 Avenue, asked about aquatics programs for
the kids and stated concern about the impact of pool closures on the children.
Staff and Council discussed the age of the pools and their life spans, chemicals
used and maintenance issues, as well as aquatics programs.
EDLER MOVED AND PLACE SECONDED TO ACCEPT STAFF'S
RECOMMENDATION WHICH IS A BLEND OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMISSION AND THE BUDGET STRATEGY TEAM'S RECOMMENDATION
INCLUDING ITEM NO. 6. Council Member Bonlender favored modifying the
recommendation to not close Washington Pool after the 2005 season. COUNCIL
MEMBER BONLENDER MOVED TO AMEND THE RECOMMENDATION, TO
CONTINUE OPERATION OF WASHINGTON POOL, AND HOLD THE
INSTALLATION OF AN AQUATIC WATER SPRAY FACILITY IN ABEYANCE.
The motion died due to the lack of a second. Discussion ensued on the original
motion. EDLER MOVED AND PLACE SECONDED TO AMEND THE MOTION BY
ADDING DIRECTION TO STAFF TO BRING BACK A POLICY ISSUE TO
ANALYZE, WITH A CONSULTANT, COMMUNITY INTEREST IN AN AQUATIC
CENTER. The motion carried by a unanimous roll call vote. The question was
called for a vote on the amended motion. The motion carried by a 6 -1 roll call
vote; Bonlender voting any.
Following is the blended recommendations referred to in the motion:
(1) Close Miller Pool, demolish and construct new basketball courts for 2005.
Cost: $100,000
(2) Close Eisenhower and defer demolition pending future discussion with School
District in 2005
Cost: $5,000
(3) Make repairs to Franklin Pool in 2005
Cost: $25,000
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(4) a) Continue operation of Washington Pool for 2005 season only.
b) Process and install aquatic water spray facility for activation in 2006 season.
Cost: $120,000
c) Close Washington Pool in 2006 concurrent with activation of spray facility.
Budget 2006 demolition cost: $75,000
(5) Reallocate future pool operating cost savings in 2006, and later years, for
alternative summer youth programs, including aquatics
(6) Create policy issue to analyze community interest for an aquatic center
Following a short break, the meeting reconvened at 4:20 p.m.
8. Consideration of Council policy regarding mandatory recycling
Nancy Fortier, Refuse Manager, referred to a study session held in February that
discussed various recycling options. Staff is now asking for direction on whether to
change to mandatory, or maintain the current voluntary recycling program through
Yakima Waste Systems. Mrs. Fortier clarified the different levels of "mandatory ",
one being mandatory pay (included in the customer rates) and you are encouraged
to recycle, and the other being mandatory recycling, e.g. Seattle. Currently in
Yakima, the customer pays if they want to recycle but if you don't want to, you don't
pay.
Scott Robertson, Yakima Waste Systems, explained that they closed approximately
30 drop sites in the greater urban area last fall because they offer curbside recycling
on a subscription basis. At that time they had about 1,000 recycle customers in
Yakima, and that figure has grown to about 2,000. They expect that number to go
down when they receive their separate bills at 3, 6, and 9 months. He listed a
number of ways to do curbside recycling and explained that the only issue for
today's discussion is whether to make it mandatory or not. Discussion continued on
levels of recycling, who does it where, and the need for public education. Council
Member Bonlender said the issue is, does Yakima want to recycle. If they do, the
next issue would be how we are going to do it.
Discussion then went into the market for recyclable materials. Kevin Jorgensen,
Manufacturing Operations Manager for Michelsen Packaging, and Vic Valdez,
Manager of Central Washington Recycling, spoke about the volume of volunteer
efforts, thousands of people, who bring their recyclables to them. Dan Beddison,
Michelsen Packaging Controller, said it is their opinion that mandatory payment for
recycling is equivalent to putting a tax on every household in Yakima and that an
opt -out version may available but isn't really functional. They feel the tonnage of
recycling in Yakima is comparable to other cities our size. He noted that there are
people who rely on the income from collecting cans and papers.
Council Member Whitman commented that Yakima is not one of the big cities and
we do not need to do mandatory recycling right now. We are doing things to
encourage recycling and are working on how to get information to the public to
recycle. WHITMAN MOVED AND PLACE SECONDED TO LEAVE RECYCLING
THE WAY IT CURRENTLY IS. Mayor George read a note against mandatory
recycling from Bernard Poremba. Leslie Wahl, 2403 West Yakima Avenue,
- submitted a letter on behalf of the Audubon Society originally written to the Council
in September of 2004. Since that time a citizens group has been meeting and
exploring ways to encourage recycling in the City. They support the concept of
mandatory recycling. Clarence Barnett, 916 South 17 Avenue, spoke against
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mandatory curbside recycling, due to the high level of poverty in Yakima. They
simply cannot afford the additional expense and many are supplementing their
income from recycling on their own. Mike Hunnel, 913 South 4th Avenue, did not
agree with mandatory recycling as he does it himself. He felt the City would be
getting paid twice, once for the pick up fee and then by selling the material. Troy
Emmons, Budget Strategy Team Co- Chair, suggested the item be tabled or rejected
until more information is available and all options can be considered. Mayor George
suggested this would be a good subject for the Strategy Team. Bob Bieren, 3806
Meadow Lane, suggested the City start it's own recycling sites on property they own
and staff it with retirees at minimum wage. He felt the sites could be self - supporting.
He was against mandatory recycling. Robert Owen, 614 North 3rd Street, spoke
against mandatory recycling. JoAnn Showalter commented that recycling is about
services and dollars. People have to be hired but jobs would become available.
She suggested making allowances for those who cannot afford to pay by having a
sliding scale.
Council Member Bonlender spoke against the motion stating that the Council should
philosophically agree on mandatory recycling and figure out how to do it, whether
there be a sliding scale, opting out, etc. The question was called for a vote on
the motion. The motion carried by a 5 -2 roll call vote; Bonlender and McClure voting
nay.
*9. Consideration of Resolution approving an application for SIED Funds for Jeld
Wen expansion project
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2005 -53, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to
execute and submit grant and loan applications with Yakima County for funding from
the Yakima County Supporting Investments in Economic Development (SIED) Fund
for infrastructure improvements necessary for the North 6 Avenue Jeld Wen
Expansion project.
*10. Consideration of Resolution authorizing execution of a contract amendment
with Huibregtse Louman Associates for professional engineering services
during the construction of a school - related sidewalk project
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2005 -54, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to
execute an addendum to a professional services agreement with Huibregtse,
Louman Associates, Inc. to add engineering services during construction of a
school - related sidewalk project.
*11. Consideration of Resolutions authorizing execution of agreements for pool
rental during the 2005 swim team season with:
A. Yakima Athletic Club
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2005 -55, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City
Manager of the City of Yakima to execute an agreement with the Yakima Athletic
Club for rental of city pool facilities for the 2005 swim team season.
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B. YMCA
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2005 -56, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City
Manager of the City of Yakima to execute an agreement with the YMCA for rental of
city pool facilities for the 2005 swim team season.
*12. Consideration of Resolution authorizing execution of agreement with
Washington State Department of Transportation for maintenance and
operation of signal equipment at the intersection of 18 Street and Nob Hill
Blvd.
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2005 -57, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager of
the City of Yakima or his designee, to execute an Agreement for Signal Maintenance
to enable the State of Washington to perform certain activities regarding the
maintenance and operation of the traffic signal system located at East Nob Hill
Boulevard and South 18 Street during and after the construction of roadways and
appurtenant improvements at the interchange of Interstate 82 and State Route 24 by
the State of Washington.
*13. Approval of the 2004 Year -End Budget Revenue and Expenditure Report
The 2004 Year -End Budget Revenue and Expenditure Report was approved.
*14. Approval of the 2004 Pretreatment Annual Report
The 2004 Pretreatment Annual Report was approved.
*15. Set date of hearings for April 19, 2005:
A. Public Hearing to consider the Hearing Examiner's recommendation to
deny an alley right -of -way vacation in the vicinity of North 9 th and D
Streets, requested by Vaughn Bay Construction?
April 19, 2005 was set as the date of Public Hearing to consider the Hearing
Examiner's recommendation to deny an alley right -of -way vacation in the vicinity of
North 9 th and D Streets, requested by Vaughn Bay Construction.
B. Public Hearing to consider the appeal filed by Nazir Karmali of a
Determination of Significance issued for his proposal to change the
Future Land Use Map designation for property located at the southwest
corner of No. 40 Avenue and Powerhouse Rd. from low density
residential to neighborhood commercial
April 19, 2005 was set as the date of Public Hearing to consider the appeal filed by
Nazir Karmali of a Determination of Significance issued for his proposal to change
the Future Land Use Map designation for property located at the southwest corner of
No. 40 Avenue and Powerhouse Rd. from low density residential to neighborhood
commercial.
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ORDINANCES
16. Consideration of draft Ordinance establishing a policy for naming and
renaming city streets
This item was removed from the Agenda (deferred until 4/19/05)
17. Consideration of legislation relating to the declaration of a drought
emergency:
Dave Brown, Water & Irrigation Manager, said there are two areas needing
consideration; a resolution declaring a drought, and an ordinance establishing
criteria for drinking water. Governor Gregoire declared a drought on March 10
We now need an ordinance where the City Council officially declares a drought. The
irrigation ordinance currently says the City Manager has the authority to institute
certain types of conservation matters once Council declares an emergency.
Discussion continued on the current water situation in the valley.
The City Clerk read the resolution by title only, SIMS MOVED AND EDLER
SECONDED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION. The resolution puts us in compliance
with the state. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
A. Resolution making a determination of an emergency with respect to the
City's domestic and irrigation water systems
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2005 -58, A RESOLUTION making a determination of
emergency with respect to the City of Yakima's domestic and irrigation water
systems.
The City Clerk read the Ordinance by title only, SIMS MOVED AND WHITMAN
SECONDED TO PASS THE ORDINANCE. This ordinance goes into effect
immediately. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. City Manager Zais
commented that every effort would be made to inform everyone ahead of time
before measures would be instituted.
B. Ordinance amending the Municipal Code, establishing authority for the
City Manager to impose water conservation measures during droughts
and water shortages, and declaring an emergency providing for an
effective date of April 13, 2005
ORDINANCE NO. 2005 -16, AN ORDINANCE establishing authority for the City
Manager to impose water conservation measures during droughts and water
shortages; adding a new section of chapter 7.68 of the Yakima Municipal Code;
declaring an emergency; and providing for an effective date.
Mr. Brown advised the Council that Randy Beehler, Community Relations Manager,
has developed a Power Point slide show on 42 ways to save water, put conservation
measures in this month's Issues Brief, and conservation information is being
supplied in the utility bills. They are also working with the newspaper and television
stations to get conservation word out to the public.
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*18. Consideration of Legislation regarding the AFSCME 2005 -2007 Collective
Bargaining Agreement:
A. Resolution authorizing execution of Collective Bargaining Agreement
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2005 -59, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City
Manager to execute a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Yakima
and Council 2, Washington State Council of County and City Employees,
representing Local 1122 General Municipal Employees regarding wages, hours, and
working conditions through 2007.
B. Ordinance amending the Classification and Compensation Plan relating
to the AFSCME Collective Bargaining settlement
ORDINANCE NO. 2005 -17, AN ORDINANCE relating to City personnel; adopting a
classification and compensation plan for the City employees to be effective May 8,
2005; amending Subsections 2.20.110 a, 2.20.110 C, and 2.20.110 F, all of the City
of Yakima Municipal Code.
*19. Second Reading of Ordinance amending the 2005 budget and appropriating
funds for construction of wastewater main improvement related to the
expansion of the Cub Crafters Manufacturing Facility
An ordinance amending the 2005 budget and appropriating funds for construction of
wastewater main improvement related to the expansion of the Cub Crafters
Manufacturing Facility, previously having been read by title only, was brought before
the Council for a second reading.
ORDINANCE NO. 2005 -18, AN ORDINANCE amending the 2005 budget for the
City of Yakima, and making an appropriation of $50,000 in the 476 - Wastewater
Construction Fund to construct Wastewater main improvements related to the
expansion of the Cub Crafters manufacturing facility.
20. Other Business
A. Set date of public hearing for April 19, 2005 to consider providing
Community Development Block Grant funds to Maytag Services to locate
a consumer contact center in the City's Renewal Community area
City Manager Zais announced that a new business, Maytag Services Center, is
moving to Yakima. We have met with them and talked about some opportunities we
felt we could offer such as the Renewal Community Program. One choice was to
look at the existing budget for unobligated block grant funds. We made an offer to
allocate $55,000 as a financial incentive to bring new jobs to Yakima thereby
offsetting some of their costs. This will be tied to a contract to bring jobs to Yakima.
A public hearing will need to be held and a contract will need to be executed.
PLACE MOVED AND BONLENDER SECONDED TO SET APRIL 19, 2005 AS'A
DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING ON THE MAYTAG PROPOSAL. The motion
carried by unanimous voice vote. It was noted that they hope to start their business
as early as next month.
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Council Member Edler asked for clarification on why the City has asked the
Neighbors for Responsible Development (NFRD) to do an Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS). Bill Cook, Community and Economic Development Manager,
explained that the NFRD submitted a proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment
that was extremely broad and required more analysis based on their proposed
commercial criteria. Any proposal that has a significant impact on the community, by
state law, requires an EIS. City Manager Zais advised that the City gave the NFRD
several choices to redesign their proposal that they rejected which resulted in the
issuance of the Determination of Significance (DS).
B. Executive Session
McCLURE MOVED AND WHITMAN SECONDED TO MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE
SESSION TO DISCUSS PENDING LITIGATION FOLLOWED BY ADJOURNMENT
TO 7:30 A.M. APRIL 12, 2005 FOR STUDY SESSION ON THE DOWNTOWN
YAKIMA COMMITTEE. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
• Information Items
Items of interest provided to Council were: March Yakima Basin Storage Alliance
Report; Planning Division Assignments Pending as of April 5, 2005; Article from the
March 25, 2005 Puget Sound Business Journal, "Cargo Surge: Jumbo Ships Will Test
Region "; March 21, 2005 WashACE (Washington Alliance for a Competitive Economy)
Competitiveness Brief, "Wallowing in Sin Taxes"
•
21. Adjournment
Following the Executive Session, the meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BYrt!
OUNC EMBER DATE
COUNCIL MEMBER DATE
ATTEST:
q a- 4 - d - C •
CITY CLERK PAUL P. GEORGE, MAYOR 4
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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