HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/07/2006 Business Meeting BUSINESS MEETING
OF THE YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7, 2006 - 2:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL
1. Roll Call
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 McClure gave an invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Open Discussion for the Good of The Order /Special Presentation
A. Proclamations
• Chamber of Commerce Community Pride month
Norm Johnson read a proclamation declaring the month of April 2006 as
Chamber of Commerce Community Pride month. Mike Morrisette, President and
CEO of the Chamber, accepted the proclamation.
• World Kidney Day
Councilman McClure read a proclamation declaring March 9 th as World Kidney
Day. Cindy McRoberts was present to accept the proclamation.
• Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Awareness Month
Councilman Bonlender read a proclamation declaring March 2006 as Reflex
Sympathetic Dystrophy Awareness Month. Carol Raines, a victim of RSD,
accepted the proclamation and gave statistics and specifics of the disease.
B. Special Presentations:
• For a Better Tomorrow -- Yakima Live! .
Barbara Greco described an upcoming event, Yakima Live. It will be held on
Saturday, May 20 from 10 a.m. to midnight in downtown Yakima with a
multitude of activities.
• Introduction of Garfield Elementary Student Council Representatives
The students introduced themselves and thanked the Mayor for coming to their
student council meeting. Mayor Edler said part of what he wanted
communicated was the school bond that is coming up. He said there are
procedures to follow in order to endorse a school bond and he would like to
begin those in order to go on record to support this school bond. BONLENDER
MOVED AND McCLURE SECONDED TO SETA DATE FOR PUBLIC
HEARING WITH REGARD TO THE UPCOMING SCHOOL BOND. The motion
carried by 6 -1 voice vote; Lover voting nay.
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Report from Office of Neighborhood Development Services regarding Paint -
out Graffiti program
Archie Matthews, Neighborhood Development Supervisor, explained how the
program worked and gave statistics for last year and so far this year. He said .
they average 10 complaints of graffiti per day. More help is needed as well as
more public support. Because the city has this program, the citizens have
backed off from taking care of graffiti on their property. We try to encourage
citizens to paint out graffiti as quickly as possible. When they don't, we have to
do it with one full time employee and eight volunteers. We cannot keep up.
Council Member Bonlender echoed the call for more citizen involvement. Any
citizen able to paint out graffiti on their property should do so. you can't
physically do it, we will be glad to help, but we need to take individual
responsibility ourselves. Council Member Cawley suggested writing legislation to
create a program for taxpayers to pay into so that other crews that are out there
can do some painting. He doesn't like the current method of punishing those
who don't take care of it.
C. Status report on prior meeting's citizen service request
None
D. Appointments to Council Boards and Commissions
CAWLEY MOVED AND BONLENDER SECONDED TO APPOINT NESTOR
HERNANDEZ TO THE COMMUNITY REVIEW BOARD. The motion carried by
unanimous roll call vote.
2. 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. Item No. 13 was added to the Consent Agenda. The City Clerk
read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances by title.
CAWLEY 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 January 7, 2006 Adjourned meeting
The minutes of the January 7, 2006 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
Mike Hunnel, 913 South 4 Avenue, asked about the $175,000 grant for handicap
accessible bus routes; when will the Citizen Patrol start giving tickets to those
abusing disabled parking places? Mayor Edler said we would look into those items
and hope to respond at the next council meeting.
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PUBLIC HEARING
6. Public Hearing regarding annexation of State Fair Park (see ordinance
annexing' property)
City Manager Zais pointed out that this is the culmination of 20 years of effort
invested by the City with regard to annexation of the fairgrounds. Bruce Benson,
Planning Supervisor, explained we do have a sufficient petition requesting
annexation of State Fair Park into the city limits. There are four parcels involved
with an approximate assessed value of $22 million. A good share of that is tax
exempt. This completes the annexation of the County island.
• Mayor Edler opened the public hearing.
Greg Stewart, President and General Manager of State Fair Park, was
appreciative of the efforts of both the City and the County.
• Mayor Edler closed the public hearing.
The City Clerk read the ordinance by title only; WHITMAN MOVED AND
McCLURE SECONDED TO PASS THE ORDINANCE. The motion carried by
unanimous roll call vote.
ORDINANCE NO. 2006 -06, AN ORDINANCE concerning annexation; annexing
the State Fair Park Annexation area to the City of Yakima; maintaining the current
zoning of the area; providing for 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 properties in the State Fair Park Annexation area; and an
effective date of April 9, 2006.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS
7. Report from Committee for Downtown Yakima regarding 2006 Downtown
Renewal Work Plan:
A. Consideration of Resolution authorizing the negotiation and execution of an
amendment to the management and promotion agreement with the
Committee for Downtown Yakima
City Manager Zais noted that City staff has been working with the Committee for
Downtown Yakima for months. The committee is the umbrella for bringing it all
together.
Steve Gibson, 7 North 3 Street, Committee for Downtown Yakima, gave a Power
Point presentation covering the structure of the organization, the work plan for 2006,
and a funding discussion. They are currently about 60% through the capital funding
campaign. He explained that they created two separate organizations working
together as one. The Committee for Downtown Yakima, is the lead in implementation
and organization. They need a City Council representative, and the city manager (or
his designee). The second organization is the Downtown Yakima Foundation (DYF),
the funding board. Mr. Gibson referred to Operation Downtown Renaissance,
changing the perception of safety and creating a place to do business and to hold
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gatherings. He spoke about improving the residential area immediately surrounding
downtown as well.
Jamie Stickel talked about the budget. They are to raise $300,000 to be matched by
the city. They currently have a commitment for $187,000 and are continuing.
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -27, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City
Manager to negotiate and execute an amendment to an agreement between the City
of Yakima and the Committee for Downtown Yakima regarding the redevelopment of
downtown Yakima.
Questions were asked about the specifics of the funding request. It was clarified
that the amendment is how they would receive the money already dedicated to
them. Mr. Stickel said as they raise the balance of the funds, they would come
back to Council and ask for release of those funds up to the commitment of
$300,000. Mr. Gibson said the work will not stop in two years, but this funding gets
them started. Mr. Zais explained that this resolution allows for some needed
adjustments in the disbursement mechanics of the contract. To expedite the
process, the resolution authorizes negotiating an amendment to the underlying
agreement.
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.
B. Consideration of Ordinance amending the 2006 budget and appropriating
funds for the Committee for Downtown Yakima consultant services (Read
ordinance only at this meeting; second reading scheduled 3- 21 -06)
An Ordinance amending the 2006 budget and appropriating funds for expenditures
during 2006 to provide for costs related to the Downtown Redevelopment initiative,
was read by title only, and laid on the table until March 21, 2006 for a second
reading.
8. Status Report on Downtown Futures Project and Resolution authorizing
execution of amendment to the professional services contract with George
Pechtel to correct the contract termination date
Chris Waarvick, Director of Public Works, advised that bids are being opened
tomorrow for the Yakima Avenue sidewalk section. The project begins in front of the
new Hilton Gardens Hotel. We're expecting to hear the status of the state budget by
the 9th and are hopeful that the $2.5 million we requested will remain. City Manager
Zais
spoke about the delegation from Westside Merchants and the Front Street Association
that went to Olympia and made their case in front of the entire legislature showcasing
what we are doing for downtown Yakima.
The City Clerk read the' resolution by title only; BONLENDER MOVED AND
McCLURE SECONDED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION. The motion carried by
unanimous roll call vote. City Manager Zais explained this is just a technical correction
because the contract was intended all along to be a two -year agreement. There are
no other changes.
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RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -28, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City
Manager to amend that certain Project Management Services Agreement by and
between the City of Yakima and G.H. Pechtel & Associates, Inc. a Washington
corporation, to provide for a termination date of not later than May 31, 2007
9. Consideration of Resolution supporting Strengthening Families Yakima Valley
initiative and researching feasibility of acting as fiscal agent for the project
City Manager Zais referred to a discussion on this initiative from a few weeks ago
when we had been approached to become involved as the fiduciary agent. Kathy
Thomas, South Central Workforce Council, listed all the agencies involved and
described many of them. Mr. Zais explained that there will be an agreement we will
enter into and a budget appropriation that will come before the Council.
The City Clerk read the resolution by title only; CAWLEY MOVED AND MCCLURE
SECONDED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION. The motion carried by unanimous roll
call vote.
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -29, A RESOLUTION declaring support for a new
Community Development initiative directed toward strengthening families in the
Yakima Valley, as well as support for the concept of the City partnering with the
community in this effort; and further agreeing to investigate and research the
possibility of the City acting as the Fiscal Agent for disbursement of federal funding on
behalf of the initiative.
10. Consideration of Resolution declaring support for short term (interim) and long
term efforts to improve conditions in areas of need within the City of Yakima
Bill Cook, Community and Economic Development Director, explained that this is an
administrative requirement of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD). The resolution allows us to categorize certain expenses in a way so we can
carry out what you have asked us to do this year.
Hector Franco, 815 North 28 Avenue, asked whether a Community Development
Block Grant neighborhood revitalization strategy area has been designated. Mr. Cook
said an application has been made but we have not received approval from HUD to
create a strategy area. There had been two different versions of the resolution that
had caused confusion. Mr. Franco voiced concern that the Council has already acted.
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.
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -30, A RESOLUTION recognizing the need for a united
effort to improve conditions in certain portions of Yakima and declaring support for the
numerous short and long term efforts to create those improvements.
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11. Consideration of Resolution authorizing professional services agreement with
AHBL, Inc. for Yakima Valley Visitor and Convention Bureau Campus Facility
Improvement Plan
Kathy Coffey, General Manager, explained that they need a marketing arm and AHBL
will provide that function. She advised that they need a rendering they can place in
people's hands of Front Street to 1 -82 showing all the things that are taking. The
various other agencies in town can also use this rendering. The next element of the
agreement is a short -term overview of the campus complex and also a master plan for
next 5 -10 years. They have been considering going to the Sports Commission and
adding that component as well. The City Clerk read the resolution by title only;
CAWLEY MOVED AND McCLURE SECONDED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION.
The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -31, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City
Manager to execute a professional services agreement between the City of Yakima
and the AHBL, Inc. for professional services related to the creation of a Master Plan
and related illustrations for the Yakima Convention Center
12. Consideration of adoption of City of Yakima federal congressional priorities for
2006
Michael Morales, Deputy Director of Economic Development, noted a correction on the
request for trolley project transportation; we are not asking for any additional funding
for acquisition. He explained that federal priorities are the roadmap we use to go to
Washington D.C. laying out what we stand for and what we want to see accomplished.
This list focuses on appropriation requests and looking at community issues. The
crime issue is significant and some federal assistance is needed to accelerate what
we're moving forward with. Our two proposed top federal priorities are requests from
two different agencies in those areas. There is a full calendar of events scheduled
while Council is there. City Manager Zais noted that this is something that has
evolved over a number of years, not just for the conference. It is an extensive effort to
carry forward the message of the city's needs and priorities to obtain federal support.
It also allows them to hear the message on federal dollars that are being spent wisely
on their behalf. The delegation that is going is Micah Cawley, Dave Edler, Norm
Johnson, and Ron Bonlender, along with two community businessmen. The trip
produces significant dividends for Yakima. JOHNSON MOVED AND CAWLEY
SECONDED TO ACCEPT THE 2006 FEDERAL PRIORITIES. The motion carried by
unanimous roll call vote.
*13. Consideration of Resolution Authorizing Section 108 Loan assumption of
Yakima Cellars
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -32, A RESOLUTION approving assumption of a Section
108 loan from Jul Mar, LLC to Coyote Canyon Winery, LLC, and authorizing the City
Manager to execute documents required for the transaction
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*14. Consideration of Resolution authorizing submittal of Public Works Trust Fund
loan application for Grade Separation Project interim financing
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -33, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to
execute applications, certifications and agreements pursuant to an application for a
construction loan from the Washington State Public Works Trust Fund in the amount
of $3 million for Grade Separation Project improvements to Lincoln Avenue and B
Street
*15. Consideration of Resolution Modifying the City's Petty Cash and Change Funds
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -34, A RESOLUTION amending Resolution No. R -2004-
200, adopted December 14, 2004 and authorizing the existence of Change Funds,
and other Petty Cash Funds, within the various Funds of the City of Yakima
*16. Consideration of Resolution authorizing agreement with Yakima County Office
of Aging and Long Term Care (ALTC) for Foot Care Services Program
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -35, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to
execute an agreement between the City of Yakima and Yakima County, through the
Office of Aging and Long Term care, for the purpose of obtaining funding for foot care
services for senior citizens
*17. Consideration of Resolution Authorizing Investment of City of Yakima federal
HOME funds in the Diocese of Yakima Rose of Mary Senior Housing Project
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -36, A RESOLUTION authorizing the investment of
$400,000 in City of Yakima federal HOME funds in the Diocese of Yakima Housing
Services Rose of Mary Senior Housing Project
*18. Consideration of Resolution fixing a date of public hearing for March 21, 2006 to
consider an amendment to the Six -Year Transportation Improvement Program
for 2006 -2011
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -37, A RESOLUTION fixing the time and place for hearing
for March 21, 2006 at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers at City Hall on an
amendment to the 2006 through 2011 Six -Year Transportation Improvement Program
(STIP)
*19. Consideration of Resolution setting public hearing date of April 4, 2006 for final
assessment roll for LID #1057, North 84 Avenue and Hawthorn Drive
Jim Noel, 321 North 84 Avenue, voiced his disagreement with the assessment
method of an LID that involves his property. He supports the LID but considers the
elected assessment method unfair due to the layout of his property. He asked if there
is any review or appeal process that he can go through. City Manager Zais explained
that the only information Council has today on this issue is to set the hearing date. He
explained they will have staff take a careful look at this with him. This is a citizen
service request; our staff will look into it and respond back to Council,
The item was initially passed as part of the consent agenda.
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RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -38, A RESOLUTION fixing April 4, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. as a
time and date for a hearing on the final assessment roll for Local Improvement District
No. 1057, North 84th Avenue & Hawthorn Drive
*20. Consideration of Resolution setting public hearing date of April 4, 2006 for final
assessment roll for LID #1058, North 90 Avenue, 94 Place and West Yakima
Avenue
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -39, A RESOLUTION fixing April 4, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. as a
time and date for a hearing on the final assessment roll for Local Improvement District
No. 1058, North 90 Avenue, 94 Place & West Yakima Avenue
*21. Set Date of Public Hearing for March 21, 2006 on Parks and Recreation
Comprehensive Plan for 2006 -2011
March 21, 2006 was set for date of public hearing on the Parks and Recreation
Comprehensive Plan for 2006 -2011
*22. Consideration of Reports from the Finance Department:
A. Fourth Quarter 2005 Treasury Report
The Fourth Quarter 2005 Treasury Report was accepted.
B. Fourth Quarter 2005 Accounts Receivable Report
The Fourth Quarter 2005 Accounts Receivable Report was accepted.
ORDINANCES
23. Consideration of Ordinance adopting utility revisions to Yakima Municipal Code
Because this has been reviewed in detail previously, Rita DeBord, Budget and
Finance Director, gave just a quick overview for the viewing audience. She clarified
that the request from Council to put a lien on properties whose delinquent bill is higher
than $1,500 has been researched. They discovered that a lien would eliminate the
City's ability to go through the collection process, which is the preferred method. She
also pointed out a correction to the package that was sent out. On page 10 under
service fees we were still showing a fee of $15 for a refuse cart delivery /pick up. That
should have been eliminated and not be on this list.
The City Clerk read the ordinance by title only; McCLURE MOVED AND
BONLENDER SECONDED TO PASS THE ORDINANCE. Council Member Lover
complimented staff on their efforts noting that the end result will be a value added
delivery service. But he pointed out problems he had with section 12, the linking of
these fees with Seattle's CPI. After giving his opinion on inflation and how Seattle's
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rates shouldn't be the same as Yakima, LOVER MOVED AND JOHNSON
SECONDED TO REMOVE THE FIRST SENTENCE OF SECTION 12 7.50..040
UNDER UTILITY SERVICES BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2007 AND ON JANUARY
1sT EVERY TWO YEARS THEREAFTER THE FEES IN THIS TABLE WILL BE
ADJUSTED AUTOMATICALLY TO ACCOUNT FOR ANY INCREASE IN CPI FOR
SEATTLE AREA AND ROUNDED UP TO THE NEAREST WHOLE DOLLAR.
Council Member McClure disagreed with the statement that none of this is affected by
inflation, stating that inflation happens and these costs will increase as the business
costs go up. Council Member Cawley also said he doesn't like us being included with
Seattle's figures preferring to set our own fees with rate increases brought back to
Council rather than having automatic increases. Council Member Whitman said
coming back to Council with increases in the past has been a problem. This is
automatic with smaller increments, keeping us on track so we don't get behind. City
Manager. Zais agreed that there is not a validated Yakima index, but there is another
alternative, the implicit price deflator. The implicit price deflator is a measure of
inflation that the state has specified, usually somewhat Tess than the CPI, and is also a
standardized measure. Another method would be taking a percentage of the Seattle
CPI. The question was called for a vote on the amendment. The motion failed by
a 4 -3 roll call vote; Bonlender, Edler, McClure and Whitman voting nay. McCLURE
MOVED AND BONLENDER SECONDED THAT THE BI- ANNUAL INCREASE BE
TIED TO THE IMPLICIT PRICE DEFLATOR OR 80% OF THE CPI (WHICHEVER IS
LOWER), ROUNDED TO THE NEAREST DOLLAR. The motion carried by a 4 -3 roll
call vote; Cawley, Johnson, and Lover voting nay. The question was called for a
vote on the amended motion. The motion carried by a 4 -3 roll call vote; Cawley,
Johnson, and Lover voting nay.
ORDINANCE NO. 2006 -07, AN ORDINANCE relating to public services and utilities;
substantially revising the public services and utilities section of the City of Yakima
Municipal Code, updating City policies and procedures to provide compatibility,
efficiency and accuracy for the provision of utility services to the citizens of the City of
Yakima; harmonizing the procedures of operation and billing among the several utility
divisions of the city and establishing improved customer service; and revising
Chapters 4.16, 7.24, 7.28, 7.50, 7.60, 7.65, 7.68, 7.72, 7.78 and 10.10 of the City of
Yakima Municipal Code
*24. Consideration of Ordinance authorizing 2005 encumbrances (Read ordinance only at
this meeting; second reading scheduled 3-21-06)
An Ordinance amending the 2006 budget and appropriating funds for 2005 Year -end
encumbrances from unappropriated fund balances within various funds for expenditures
during 2006, was read by title only, and laid on the table until March 21, 2006 for a second
reading. •
25. Other Business
CAWLEY MOVED AND JOHNSON SECONDED TO MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE
SESSION ON PERSONNEL ISSUES FOR 15 MINUTES THEN TO 7:00 P.M. IN
ROOM D AT THE CONVENTION CENTER FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON
RENAMING `B' STREET TO MARTIN LUTHER KING BOULEVARD. The motion
carried by unanimous voice vote.
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