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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. 1 426 JANUARY 17, 2006 • 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. 2 4.2 7r JANUARY,17, 2006 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 3 42 JANUARY 17, 2006 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. 4 429, JANUARY 17, 2006 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 5 43 JANUARY 17, 2006 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, 6 4 3:1i JANUARY 17, 2006 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. 43- a JANUARY 17, 2006 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. 8 4.3 3' JANUARY 17, 2006 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. 9 43:4 JANUARY 17, 2006 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" O DATE ) •UNCIL ME cE:r DATE ATTEST: 4 1Le-, ig- 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 10