HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/17/2006 Business Meeting 425
CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
BUSINESS MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 17, 2006 - 2:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL
1. Roll Call
Present:
Council: Mayor, Dave Edler, presiding, Council Members Ron Bonlender,
Micah Cawley, Norm Johnson, Bill Lover, Neil McClure, and Susan
Whitman
Staff: City Manager Zais, City Attorney Paolella and City Clerk Roberts
2. Invocation /Pledge of Allegiance
Council Member Cawley gave the Invocation, followed by the Pledge Allegiance.
3. Open Discussion for the Good of The Order /Special Presentation
A. Proclamations
• School Board Recognition Month
Mayor Edler read a proclamation declaring January 2006 as School Board
Recognition Month. Vicky Ibarra and Walt Ranta accepted the proclamation
on behalf of the Yakima School District Board of Directors.
B. Introduction of Kevin Sangha, owner, Howard Johnson Plaza
Bill Cook, Director of Community and Economic Development introduced the
new business owner of the Howard Johnson Plaza (formerly known as the
Red Lion Gateway Hotel) on North 9 th Street. Mr. Sangha said he has only
been here 3 -4 weeks but it has been a very positive experience. The Council
members welcomed him to Yakima.
C. Status report on prior meeting's citizen service request
• Wayne Baughman
Nancy Fortier, Refuse Manager, submitted a copy of a memo responding to
Mr. Baughman's concerns
D. Appointments to Council Boards and Commissions:
• SIED Board
Council Member Cawley volunteered to be on the SIED Board.
• Commercial Revitalization Deduction Board — appt committee
Council Member Lover would like to serve on this with Bonlender and Edler.
• YVCOG Executive Board
Council Member Johnson said he would nominate Council Member Whitman
at the next YVCOG Meeting.
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• Police and Fire Volunteer Pension Boards
Council Member Lover was appointed to both the Police and Fire Volunteer
Pension Boards.
. • Visitors and Convention Bureau Board of Directors
Council Member Johnson was appointed to the Visitors and Convention
Bureau Board of Directors.
4. Consent agenda
Mayor Edler 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. 11 and 12 were added to the Consent Agenda.
The City Clerk read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and
ordinances by title. McCLURE MOVED AND BONLENDER 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 29, 2005 Adjourned meeting
The minutes of the November 29, 2005 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
A. Presentation by Tony Adeline regarding petition for River Road paving
expansion
Antonio R. Adeline, at the request of James Barnhill, President of Aspen Village
Homeowners, 1215 North 20 Avenue, presented a petition regarding the timing
of the planned improvements on River Road. He said the petition was signed by
156 property owners in response to a rumor that the City might defer this work in
favor of other projects.
Kay Adams, City Engineer, gave a status report of the project. We have
received grant money and Public Works Trust Fund Money for the utility work. It
has been given the highest priority in the Six Year TIP. The City is now starting
the right -of -way phase. There are over forty businesses that will be approached
about right -of -way acquisitions; any money spent on acquisitions is money not
available for construction. He emphasized that the project could go faster if
businesses took the option of donating the right -of -way. He explained the work
schedule; the first portion being the utility work (water, sewer, irrigation lines)
which would be the bulk of this year's construction. The road construction will
probably not take place until spring of 2007. Mr. Adams explained why the
signal light at 16 Avenue and River Road would probably be installed last.
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Tom Garrison, an area resident, expressed concern about the timeframe for the
signal light noting that the intersection is extremely dangerous.
Colleen Strain expressed concern about the project process and the
communication with residents. She said Mr. Adams spoke about a letter that
went to residents but they never received one nor had they received return
phone calls.
Kay Adams explained the funding sources and resulting strict guidelines. They
have to have the design approved before they can start the acquisition phase.
There are many hoops to jump through to get the approvals and the funding.
The design and the environmental work is being done in- house. This is a huge
savings (15 % -20 %) but is also very time consuming.
• General Audience Participation
Mike Murphy, 4411 Snowmountain Road, requested there be a status report given
at the next City Council meeting on the Doty property. He complained that many
items are not up to code and questioned why the Community Review Board isn't
doing anything about it.
Mike Hunnel, 913 South 4 th Avenue, distributed a survey he did with
businesses around the Nob Hill overpass with regard to handicap parking. Of
the 41 businesses /property owners, 12 -14 should be exempt from having
spaces and signs, and 21 businesses do not completely comply. Only six
actually comply. Mr. Hunnel was advised that Council is planning on holding a
study session on this subject in mid - March.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
6. Closed record public hearing to consider the Hearing Examiner's recommendation
on a class 2 review application for on -site parking for Mt. Olive Lutheran Church at
7809 Tieton Drive (This public hearing has been cancelled)
7. Public hearing to consider the Long Annexation in the vicinity of South 48
Avenue and West Washington
Jeff Peters, Assistant Planner, described the property as one parcel of
approximately 8.35 acres, with a valuation of $276,600 and two residents. Utilizing
the petition method, there was 100% agreement of the assessed valuation. The
Boundary Review Board approved the annexation on November 22, 2005. City
staff recommends Council accept the petition and approve the annexation.
• Mayor Edler opened the public hearing
No one came forward to speak.
• Mayor Edler closed the public hearing
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The City Clerk read the ordinance by title only, McCLURE MOVED AND
BONLENDER SECONDED TO PASS THE ORDINANCE. The motion carried by
unanimous roll call vote.
ORDINANCE NO. 2006 -02, AN ORDINANCE concerning annexation; annexing
the Long Annexation area to the City of Yakima; maintaining the current zoning of
the area; providing for the notice to the WUTC of the City's intent to provide
residential refuse collection and disposal service; assumption of the City's current
indebtedness by the property in the Long Annexation area; and an effective date of
February 19, 2006.
8. Closed record public hearing to consider the nomination of the George
Donald House to the Yakima Register of Historic Places
Vaughn McBride, Community Development Specialist, advised that the Yakima
Historic Preservation Commission is recommending approval of the George
Donald House to the local register of historic places. George Pechtel, Chair of the
Commission, noted that the George Donald House is also known as the Woman's
Century Club. He explained the process that they went through. Also discussed
was the signage required during the process.
• Mayor Edler opened the closed record public hearing
Evelyn Collier, Cindy Selicki, and Yvonne Wilbur, of the Women's Century Club,
each spoke about the house and it's history.
Bill Cook, Director of Community and Economic Development, noted there are
more economic benefits for being on the local register than the national register.
He showed a list of 51 other downtown addresses currently being looked at for the
register. It is an important incentive to encourage people to invest in downtown
property.
• Mayor Edler closed the closed record public hearing
CAWLEY MOVED AND BONLENDER SECONDED TO ADOPT THE
COMMISSION'S RECOMMENDATION AND DIRECT LEGAL TO PREPARE
APPROPRIATE LEGISLATION. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
JOHNSON MOVED AND BONLENDER SECONDED TO DIRECT STAFF TO
LOOK INTO THE SIGNAGE ISSUE FOR THESE PROPERTIES. The motion
carried by unanimous voice vote.
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CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS
9. Consideration of Resolution authorizing execution of interlocal agreement
with Yakima County, Terrace Heights Sewer District and the City of Moxee
regarding regional economic development strategy in the SR -24 Industrial
Corridor
Bill Cook, Director of Community and Economic Development, advised that this
recommendation is from the City /County Intergovernmental Relations Committee.
It has been in discussion for many months and, at the recommendation of all
parties, we are putting forward a plan to serve Moxee through the regional
wastewater plant. The plan is to extend the Yakima urban growth area and the
Moxee urban growth area, bringing the boundaries together and allowing the
provision of service the full length of the corridor. This will also provide an
economic incentive for growth along that corridor.
Dave McFadden, New Vision and Yakima County Development Association
President, gave enthusiastic support of the project. Moxee representative, Byron
Adams, City Supervisor, also said he is very excited about this agreement. The
funding for this project is in place.
The City Clerk read the resolution by title only; McCLURE MOVED AND
BONLENDER SECONDED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION. The motion carried
by unanimous roll call vote.
Yvonne Wilbur, Historian from the historical society, spoke about the area,
specifically about Birchfield and Mieris Roads. She commented that Marris Road,
is the most valuable historical road in Yakima and that she had suggested
previously there be a buffer zone to protect it. She noted that Alexander Graham
Bell and the National Geographic highlighted the Moxee plantation on that road
describing what kinds of crops would grow in this valley. The French and the
Dutch brought the hops in and the old buildings are still there. Dave McFadden
said many of these issues will be discussed and reconciled as other planning takes
place.
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -05, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City
Manager to execute an Interlocal Agreement among the City of Yakima, the City of
Moxee, the Terrace Heights Sewer District and Yakima County regarding
cooperative planning to provide wastewater treatment and disposal service to
Moxee and to promote economic development in the SR -24 Industrial Corridor
between the Yakima River and the City of Moxee.
10. Consideration of Notice of Intent to Commence Annexation submitted by the
Yakima County Board of Commissioners and the Central Washington State
Fair Board for the annexation of State Fair Park (Standard Motions A & B)
City Manager Zais reflected that the annexation of the fairgrounds has been the
objective of the City Council for over 25 years. We are now nearing the final stage
through efforts of intergovernmental initiatives. Bruce Benson, Senior Planner, said
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we have two notices of intent, one signed by the County Commissioners for three
parcels they own, and a second notice signed by Greg Stewart of the State Fair
Park Board. We have 100% acceptance of the assessed valuation. As a matter
of form the Council is being asked to approve standard Motions A and B. Should
Council go ahead and adopt this, we will draft a petition to be sent to the parties for
signature and submit an application to the County Boundary Review Board asking
them to do their review. This request should go in January 19 and come back to
Council on March 21 A hearing will be held on April 4, 2006 with publication on
April 7 The property would then be part of the City by May 7 At that time there
will be no more island of the county in this area. The bigget change will be fire
protection becoming a right rather than being contracted.
McCLURE MOVED AND LOVER SECONDED THAT TODAY, JANUARY 17,
2006, BE SET AS THE TIME OFA MEETING WITH THE INITIATING PARTIES
WHO HAVE SIGNED A NOTICE OF INTENT TO COMMENCE ANNEXATION
PROCEEDINGS, THE INITIATING PARTIES BEING: YAKIMA COUNTY BOARD
OF COMMISSIONERS AND CENTRAL WASHINGTON STATE FAIR BOARD.
The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
McCLURE MOVED AND LOVER SECONDED THAT THE ANNEXATION
PROPOSED BY THE ABOVE PARTIES BE ACCEPTED BY THE CITY OF
YAKIMA, AND THAT THE AREA TO BE ANNEXED BE REQUIRED TO
ASSUME ITS SHARE OF THE CITY'S EXISTING INDEBTEDNESS, AND THAT
A NOTICE OF INTENT TO ANNEX BE FILED WITH THE YAKIMA COUNTY
BOUNDARY REVIEW BOARD. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
*11. Consideration of adoption of the City of Yakima 2006 Legislative Priorities
The City of Yakima 2006 Legislative Priorities were adopted.
*12. Consideration of Resolution accepting and approving the 4 Quarter 2005
Claims Report
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -06, A RESOLUTION accepting and approving the 4th
Quarter 2005 Claims Report for the City of Yakima.
13. Consideration of legislation pertaining to the 96 Avenue Annexation
A. Resolution authorizing execution of Memorandum of Understanding
between the City and Yakima County to resolve fiscal issues pertaining
to the 96 Avenue annexation
B. Set date of public hearing for Friday, January 27, 2006 at 4:00 p.m. to
consider the 96 Avenue Annexation
Bill Cook, Director of Community and Economic Development, explained that the
County invoked the Boundary Review Board process on this annexation as they
wanted to talk with the City about sharing expenses for roadwork they had done in
the last three years. The Intergovernmental Relations Committee had a meeting,
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after postponing the BRB hearing, to try to resolve this. They met with
Commissioner Leita and an agreement was reached. That agreement is what is
being recommended today. There are two actions required 1) to approve the
agreement and 2) to set a special meeting for January 27 at 4 p.m. to move
forward on the agreement so we can get the annexation completed by March 1St
for tax purposes. City Manager Zais expounded on the agreement and the
importance of the timeline in order for the City to begin receiving funding to
support services. The City is responsible immediately for police and fire
protection, street maintenance, etc. He also pointed out a significant part in the
Memorandum of Agreement where it speaks to parties committing to work
together to establish a mutually beneficial framework for further urban growth.
That will lead into the four -party agreement as well. He recommended Council
take action on this quickly to move this forward.
McCLURE MOVED AND JOHNSON SECONDED TO SET FRIDAY, JANUARY
27 AT 4 PM AS THE DATE FOR SPECIAL A HEARING, The motion carried by
unanimous voice vote.
The City Clerk read the resolution by title only, McCLURE MOVED AND
JOHNSON SECONDED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION. The motion carried by
unanimous roll call vote.
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -07, A RESOLUTION approving the attached
Memorandum of Understanding for execution by the City of Yakima, thereby
resolving Yakima County's economic concerns regarding the City's proposal for
the 96 Avenue Annexation.
*14. Consideration of Resolution approving the final plat of Englewood West, in
the vicinity of the 7200 block of Englewood Avenue, developed by J & R
Enterprises
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -08. A RESOLUTION granting conditional preliminary
plat approval for the Englewood West Preliminary Plat.
ORDINANCE
Following a break to change the video tape, the meeting reconvened at 4:06 p.m.
15. Consideration of report from the Council Meeting Review Committee on
agenda format for evening council meetings and consideration of ordinance
adopting new meeting schedule effective March 21, 2006:
A. Consideration of Ordinance amending the Yakima Municipal Code
regarding meetings of the City Council
Council Member McClure gave a report from the Council Meeting Review
Committee. The committee proposes changing the Council meetings to evenings
beginning on March 21, 2006. If there were a need for an executive session, it
would begin at 5:00 p.m. The business meetings would begin at 6:00 p.m.
Intergovernmental presentations/reports/hearings would begin at 7:00 p.m.
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followed by general public hearings /quasi - judicial hearings, and public meetings.
The remainder of the business meeting items, City Manager reports, Ordinances,
continuation of Audience Participation (if necessary), and Other Business would
follow. Adjournment would be at approximately 9:00 p.m. He also said there
would be no sunset clause on this proposed change.
City Manager Zais addressed overtime issues per Council questions stating it is
not expected to be a significant cost. Another key feature was, if they predict a
subject is going to be longer than an hour in length, they would look at scheduling
a separate evening meeting for it. Council Member Lover suggested an item for a
future discussion, holding meetings off -site at the high schools.
The City Clerk read the ordinance by title only; BONLENDER MOVED AND
CAWLEY SECONDED TO PASS THE ORDINANCE. Council Member Cawley
mentioned the need for security for people who have to walk to their cars following
the meeting. City Manager Zais committed to making some arrangements for that.
Mayor Edler said he would be voting yes in response to the community requests.
Council Member Whitman said she hoped this change works but will be voting no
as she is concerned we will not see a change. She encouraged people to phone,
write letters, or e -mail Council members. Council Member Johnson also said he
didn't expect to see an appreciable difference but that the City of Yakima is in the
minority by meeting in the afternoons. He expects that eventually people will
come. Council Member Bonlender said this change should encourage more
people to run for office as previously they were unable to meet during the day if
they had a full time job. The question was called for a vote on the motion. The
motion carried by 6 -1 roll call vote, Whitman voting nay.
B. Motion to amend the Council Rules of Procedures relating to the
council meeting agenda format
JOHNSON MOVED AND BONLENDER SECONDED TO AMEND THE COUNCIL
RULES OF PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE COUNCIL FORMAT. The
motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
ORDINANCE NO. 2006 -03, AN ORDINANCE relating to regular meetings of the
Yakima City Council; amending section 1.06.010 of the City of Yakima Municipal
Code.
16. Other business
• Citizen Correspondence
Council Member Bonlender referenced a recent letter from a citizen that claimed a
hazard at 84 Avenue and Viewcrest and requested a stop sign be placed there.
City Manager Zais reminded Council that there is a procedure by which we
evaluate warrants and eligibility for stop signs. The Traffic Division is reviewing
this request.
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Council Member Johnson asked for status on the request for a stop sign at
Englewood and 64 Avenues. He was advised that a report had been made on
that request and the intersection did not met the standard for a stop sign.
• Committees
Council Member McClure raised the issue of committees with four Council
members on them, how that is inappropriate because if the committee comes
forward with a recommendation it, basically, already constitutes a Council quorum
on the matter. Committees are established to do the background work. Council
discussed the subject and it was emphasized that where there are major issues
flowing through a committee with significant impacts or a great deal of discussion,
we endeavor to have staff brief all Council members on the committee
recommendation before it comes to the Council meeting.
Council Member McClure commented that the Downtown Futures Initiative group
was never a committee, but an effort by key people involved (George Pechtel and
Senator Deccio) to bring people up to speed informally. After a lengthy discussion
it appeared to be the consensus of Council to change this "committee" to a "task
force" that would dissolve once the project was completed. Council Member
McClure said he would step off the committee to keep the number of Council
members at three. Council Member Lover suggested the task force meet and put
their mission statement in writing.
Council Member Johnson said he had spoken with Senator Deccio, who would be
calling the Attorney General, for clarification on whether four members could sit on
a committee and not constitute a Council quorum.
• Mayor Pro Tem
Mayor Edler announced that both he and Mayor Pro Tem McClure would be out of
town for a week and Council Member Whitman would be acting Mayor Pro Tem
during their absence.
• North Front Street Bid
City Manager Zais announced that we just opened the bids for the North Front
Street Phase 1 utility renovations. Bob Desgrosellier, Sr. Engineer, gave a status
report. The first phase is just the utilities through the alley for the Front Street
block. City Manager Zais asked if Council would like to hold a groundbreaking
ceremony on this phase of the project or wait for the major portion on Yakima
Avenue. He recommended waiting for the Yakima Avenue portion and to get
some dignitaries scheduled to attend.
• Study Session Schedule
City Manager Zais suggested changing the February 7 study session to February
14 due to conflicts with Council members' schedules. It was the consensus of
Council to accept that change.
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17. Executive Session
McCLURE MOVED AND JOHNSON SECONDED TO ADJOURN TO
EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES TO DISCUSS
PENDING LITIGATION AND THEN TO JANUARY 27, 2006 AT 4:00 P.M. FOR A
PUBLIC HEARING ON THE 96 AVENUE ANNEXATION.
The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
18. Adjournment
Following the Executive Session, the meeting adjourned at 6:08 p.m.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY %14& --" 01111"
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•UNCIL ME cE:r DATE
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK DAVID EDLER, 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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