HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/18/2006 Business Meeting 20
BUSINESS MEETING
OF THE YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL
APRIL 18, 2006 - 6:00 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
Absent:
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. Proclamation
Employee retirement recognition — Judy Arington
This item was deferred.
B. Special Recognition
Karen Roberts - Washington Municipal Clerks Association President's Award
of Distinction
Karen Roberts, City Clerk, accepted the award.
C. Status report on prior meeting's citizen service request
Progress report on 84 Avenue and Viewcrest and pedestrian malls
Chris Waarvick, Public Works Director, responded to the 84 Avenue and
Viewcrest request and reported that we will install lighting and signage;
however, staff did not believe the requested blocks at the corner were
needed. Regarding the letter from Mr. Putney about pedestrian malls, he
commented that various communities have done this. He recommended
that it be referred to the Council's Downtown Oversight Committee.
D. Appointments to Council Boards and Commissions
None.
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. 7 and 9 were added to the Consent Agenda. The
City Clerk read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances
by title. BONLENDER MOVED AND McCLURE SECONDED TO ADOPT THE
CONSENT AGENDA AS READ. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
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• (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk ( *) indicate items on the
Consent Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion.)
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5. Audience Participation
Verna Wild, 1204 E. Spruce Street, reminded Council of a long -ago promise
made to the residents in her area to expand Fair Avenue to five lanes. The
Eastside needs infrastructure improvements in order to attract tourism and
business to that area. However, the City would have to pay them sufficient
money for their properties so they could afford to replace their houses in another
area of town. Another comment she made was that CBD zoning should not
include apartment houses.
Bill Koreski, representing the Vintiques Car Club, requested the City's assistance
in promoting the Vintiques and participation in their Rod Run. He was referred to
the Downtown Association and was advised that City staff would - provide what
assistance we could.
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Curtis King, representing the Washington State Fair Association, thanked
Council for annexing the fairgrounds to the City. He also expressed appreciation
to City and County staff for supporting their annexation request.
Mike Hunnel addressed the Council regarding the need for better recycling. Staff
will provide Mr. Hunnel with a copy of the Yakima County Solid Waste Plan, and
it was suggested that he address the Yakima County Commissioners regarding
his concerns.
PUBLIC HEARING
6. Public Hearing to consider two School Districts Propositions on the
ballot:
A. Proposition No. 1 for Yakima School District, which reads as
follows:
Proposition No. 1
Yakima School District
Facility Improvement
General Obligation Bonds - $119,505,000
The Board of Directors of Yakima School District #7 adopted Resolution #03.05.06
concerning this proposition. This proposition authorizes the District to replace and
expand A.C. Davis, Eisenhower, and Stanton Alternative High Schools; Garfield,
Hoover and McKinley Elementary Schools; renovate Nob Hill Elementary;
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purchase modular buildings for Discovery Lab School; pay outstanding nonvoted
debt; purchase a facility for the Science Center; make other capital improvements;
issue $119,505,000 of general obligation bonds maturing within 20 years, and levy
excess property taxes annually to repay the bonds, as provided in Resolution
#03.05.06. Should this proposition be approved?
Yes[ ] No[ ]
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APRIL 18, 2006
B. Proposition No. 1 for West Valley School District, which reads as
follows:
Proposition,No. 1
West Valley School District
General Obligation Bonds - $52,300,000
The Board of Directors of West Valley School District #208 adopted Resolution #06-
02 -494 concerning this proposition for bonds. The proposition authorizes the District
to construct a new high school and make other capital improvements to District
facilities, issue $52,300,000 of general obligation bonds maturing within a maximum
of 20 years, and levy except property taxes annually to repay the bonds, as provided
in Resolution #06 -02 -494. Should be proposition be:
Approved? [ ] Rejected? [
City Attorney Paolella described the procedure under state that permits
the City to conduct this public hearing. Generally, public buildings cannot be
used for campaigning; however, the RCW says we can consider it with proper
notification, and by providing both proponents and opponents to the ballot
measure the opportunity to speak. Council may choose to 1) endorse the ballot
proposition, 2) oppose it, or 3) take no position on the ballot proposition.
• Mayor Edler opened the public hearing
Ben Soria, Superintendent of Yakima School District No. 7, reviewed facts
from the pamphlets provided in the Council's packets. He advised that two
committees took two years reviewing each building in the proposal from the
following viewpoints:
- Student safety and security
- Education needs (technology)
- Building condition
- Overcrowding
He noted this is actually the third phase of a plan that began in 1987 -88 to
upgrade or replace the elementary, middle, and high schools. The total cost of
construction included in this Bond is $216 million: $119.5 million would come
from the community and $97 million would be provided by state matching
funds. The project would:
- Replace three elementary schools
- Renovate one elementary school
- Replace two high schools
- Replace the Discovery Lab modular
- Replace Stanton Academy
- Pay for non -voted debt for repairs
- Relocate the Science Center
- Provide for capital facilities improvements
Phase Three is an increase of 84 cents per $1,000 above the current assessed
valuation, or $7 more per month for a $100,000 house. If the proposition were
approved, the total assessment for a homeowner would be based on $5.58 per
$1,000 of assessed valuation, including the existing Phase Two debt and
current M & 0 assessment.
Tom Fleming, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations, West
Valley School District, said that their bond levy process began in 1998. The
• proposals in 1998 and 2003 did not pass. They then formed a committee to
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determine District priorities. The front part of the high school was remodeled,
but the back part of the building is vintage 1967, and that is where the majority
of the classrooms they want to replace with this, bond levy are located. It would
cost $40 million to remodel the high school, but we can build a new high school
for $52 million. The $52.3 million levy is to build a high school on adjacent land
on Zier Road next to the existing one. A lot of the facilities, including the track
and football fields and the buildings remodeled in 1997, would be retained. The
high school is overcrowded and most of the buildings are over 50 years old,
too expensive to maintain, and don't have power available to run computers.
The proposal would add 78 cents per thousand of assessed valuation to the
current property tax levy rate, bringing it to $2.23 per thousand of assessed
valuation.
Rick Linneweh, Co -chair of YES for Kids, and Executive Director of Yakima
Valley Memorial Hospital, stated that the hospital is interested in educating our
children to become future employees. He was impressed with the process the
committee went through to get to this point; including a professional analysis of
the existing buildings that identified inadequate heating and cooling systems.
He closed his remarks by addressing the infusion of money into the city that
would be generated by this project.
Citizens speaking in opposition to the proposition were:
Alonzo Marquez, 613 N. 3rd Street (Yakima School District) - claimed that the
student drop out rate increased after Mr. Soria came to the District, and that
the citizens cannot afford the increased rate, thereby causing a higher drop out
rate.
Citizens speaking in favor of the propositions were:
Mary McDaniels, 905 Walker Street — owe it to the children to provide best
education possible in the safest environment.
Luz Gutierrez, 1424 S. 31 Avenue, - students are the future of Yakima.
Henry Beauchamp, 505 E. Lincoln Avenue, - owe it to our children who will be
competing globally in the job market. We need to complete the third phase of
the project to upgrade schools.
AnnMarie Swanson, 124 Gilbert Drive, PTA President — spoke about the
overcrowded conditions at Eisenhower High and that we need to take
advantage of the matching state funds.
Bruce Whiteside, 2309 MacLaren, - need to invest in school facilities to
attract new businesses and professionals to the City.
Xochitl Flores — need to spend money on education and schools, not new jails
and drug rehabilitation facilities. The school that she works in is overcrowded
to the point that some students have to leave in order to allow others in the
classroom, not enough bathrooms, and no storage available for the teachers.
Frank McCart, 1402 S. McKinley, addressed the needs of Hoover Elementary
School, including student safety.
Thomas Garza, Eisenhower Student, - The school is overcrowded, the gym is
inadequate in size, the bathrooms are unsuitable, and the four portables and
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APRIL 18, 2006
shop classes are in very poor condition. He also stated that the stairwells are
jammed and during a fire drill, so he is also concerned about student safety.
Kathy Tierney, - submitted a brochure providing facts on Davis High School.
She was concerned about the security issue of dealing with an open campus.
Steve Mitchell, former student in the school system, former teacher and
administrator, - the schools may look good outside, but the inside is a different
picture; they are technologically challenged. Yakima needs to put all students
in buildings, and not portables.
Dean Compton, parent of a third grader at Garfield and a 6 th grade student at
Washington, and a member of the bond levy committee, - the schools need to
be rebuilt, and he is concerned about security. Ike and Davis have three lunch
periods and still students are using the hallways at lunch.
Arteaga Mateo, 803 S. 38 Avenue, - important to take care of the children's
education, even though his children are no longer in school, he is in favor of
the proposition.
Gary Hill, 3511 W. Chestnut, - Principal of Nob Hill Elementary School, the
quality of the schools is a reflection on the city. Nob Hill School looks pretty
nice outside, but the inside needs tender loving care. He invited everyone to an
open house and tour next Sunday.
Kathleen Goyette, 1209 S. 45 Avenue, - spoke in support of the West Valley
and Yakima School bonds.
Aurora Pena - Torres, 613 S. 20th Avenue, Advisory Committee member and
mother of three Discovery Lab students, - need to provide a good environment
to create good learning.
Jorge Toirres - Saenz, 613 S. 20 Avenue, also spoke for Carlos Olivares,
Farm Workers Clinic, - agreed with all the other speakers in support of the
proposition.
• Mayor Edler closed the public hearing
BONLENDER MOVED AND JOHNSON SECONDED TO SUPPORT BOTH
THE WEST VALLEY AND YAKIMA SCHOOL DISTRICTS' BOND
PROPOSITIONS. Addressing school security, Council member Lover asked
how many portable classrooms would be replaced if the Yakima School District
proposition were passed? Mr. Soria responded that it would replace
approximately 64 portable classrooms. Following council member comments,
the question was called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by
unanimous voice vote.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS
*7. Consideration of Resolution adopting the 2006 -2011 Parks and Recreation
Comprehensive Plan
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -63, A RESOLUTION adopting a new comprehensive
plan for the City of Yakima parks system.
8. Consideration of legislation accepting Transportation Enhancement Grants
and authorizing execution of a joint City /County application for IC Funds:
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APRIL 18, 2006
A. Resolution accepting two transportation enhancement grants from the
State Department of Transportation for the William O. Douglas Heritage
Trail and for Yakima Valley Transportation Company preservation
Bill Cook, Director of Community and Economic Development, and Ray Paolella,
City Attorney, reviewed the two grants awarded to the City by the Washington
State Department of Transportation under its Transportation Enhancement
Program. One $499,890 grant was for the Heritage Trails Program, including the
William O. Douglas, Cowlitz & Upper Nisqually trails. The second grant, under the
Yakima Valley Conference of Governments review, was $495,592 for restoration
of the City's historic trolley barn and Naches River trolley bridge. A third grant of
$322,000 will go to a private non - profit foundation, the William O. Douglas Trail
Foundation, to be used to convert the present trolley bridge to a multi -modal
bridge. The second part of this request is to leverage these three awards for
additional funds from the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC).
The City Clerk read the resolution for Item A by title; McCLURE MOVED AND
CAWLEY SECONDED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION. The motion carried by
unanimous roll call vote.
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -64, A RESOLUTION accepting two transportation
enhancement grants from the Washington State Department of Transportation (for
the William O. Douglas Heritage Trail and for Yakima Valley Transportation
Company preservation) and authorizing and directing the City Manager to execute
agreements with the Washington State Department of Transportation regarding
acceptance and utilization of those grants.
B. Resolution authorizing submission of application for funding
assistance to the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation for a
Washington Wildlife and Recreation project
The City Clerk read the resolution for Item B by title; CAWLEY MOVED AND
McCLURE SECONDED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION. The motion carried by
unanimous voice vote.
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -65, A RESOLUTION authorizing submission of an
application for funding assistance for a Washington Wildlife and Recreation
(WWRP) project to the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC) as
provided in Chapter 79A.15 RCW, Outdoor Recreation Land, for the Heritage
Trails Program: Greenway, Cowiche Canyon, and William O. Douglas Pathway
Connections.
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*9. Consideration of Resolution authorizing the execution of a sole source
contract with COBAN, Inc. for police computer system
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -66, A RESOLUTION authorizing the purchase of the
COBAN In -car Topcam G2 Digital Video Recording System as a sole source
purchase without calling for bids.
*10. Consideration of Resolution declaring a color copier surplus and authorizing
its use as a trade -in for new color copier
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -67, A RESOLUTION declaring a Zerox DocuColor 12
Color Copier SN # FU2058973 and Zerox X12 Controller SN# LW0760981 to be
surplus to the needs of the City of Yakima and the Information Systems Division,
and authorizing the trade -in of the color copier and controller identified herein to
Zerox Corporation.
*11. Approval of final contract payment for the Naches River Water Treatment
Plant Chemical & Filter Gallery Upgrade Project, performed by Apollo, Inc.
(Adopt Standard Motion V -B - accept project and approve final payment)
The report from the City Engineer, dated April 4, 2006, with respect to the
completion of the work on the Naches River Water Treatment Plant Chemical &
Filter project, performed by Apollo, Inc., was approved, the work accepted and
payment of the final estimates as therein set forth was authorized.
ORDINANCES
*12. Second Reading of an Ordinance amending the Central Business District
Capital Improvement Fund budget and creating appropriations for project
expenditures for 2006
An Ordinance amending the 2006 budget and appropriating funds for construction
of Downtown Futures Initiative projects, previously having been read by title only,
was brought before the Council for a second reading.
ORDINANCE NO. 2006 -17, AN ORDINANCE amending the 2006 budget for the
City of Yakima; and making an appropriation within the 321 - Central Business
District (CBD) Capital Fund and other various funds for expenditure during 200 to
provide for construction of Downtown Futures Initiative projects.
*13. Second Reading of an Ordinance Amending the 2006 budget Transit
Operating Fund
An Ordinance amending the 2006 budget and appropriating funds for additional
vanpool services to AgriBeef Sales in Toppenish, Washington previously having
been read by title only, was brought before the Council for a second reading.
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APRIL 18, 2006
ORDINANCE NO. 2006 -18, AN ORDINANCE amending the 2006 budget for the
City of Yakima; and making an appropriation of $10,120 in the 462 — Transit Fund
for expenditure during 2006 to provide additional vanpool services to AgriBeef
Sales in Toppenish, Washington.
14. Other Business
• Consideration of Report from Council Meeting Review Committee regarding
recommendations to amend Council rules and procedures
Randy Beehler, Community Relations Manager, advised Council that this item is in
follow -up to the Council's February Study Session regarding strategic direction,
mission and vision, and Council rules and procedures.. As directed, the Council
Rules and Procedures Committee looked at four items and are returning with
recommendations regarding audience participation time limit, reading of the
ordinance title, the order of discussion, and the seating policy. Council Member
Whitman asked that the language on the current agenda that we encourage e-mail
and written communication be retained. McCLURE MOVED AND JOHNSON
SECONDED TO ACCEPT THIS RECOMMENDATION AND DIRECT THAT
LEGISLATION BE PREPARED. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.:.
Council Member Cawley advised Council that at a Harman Center Board meeting
he attended, the Board asked if a council member could attend their meetings. He
volunteered to attend those meetings, which was accepted by Council.
Council members briefly discussed the street renaming policy and referred it to the
Council Street Transportation Committee for review, to then be brought to Council
at a Study Session.
Council requested that the deferred budget policy issue regarding lifting the utility
lid be discussed at the May 2nd council meeting.
City Manager Zais announced that tomorrow between 4 and 7 p.m. on TBW TV,
there will be a broadcast regarding a study for future financing of major
transportation improvements on the Westside.
City Manager Zais reviewed the agenda for the continuation of the Wal -Mart
appeal closed record public hearing.
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15. Approximately 9:00 p.m. -- Adjournment to April 19, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. — 9:30
p.m. for continuation of closed record appeal hearing regarding Wal -Mart
development, then to April 25, 2006 at 7:30 a.m. for a Study Session
regarding airport issues
McCLURE MOVED AND CAWLEY SECONDED TO ADJOURN TO APRIL 19,
2006 AT 6:00 P.M., THEN TO APRIL 25, 2005 AT 7:30 A.M. FOR A STUDY
SESSION ON AIRPORT ISSUES. The motion carried by unanimous voice
vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY
COLIC L MEMBER DATE
L% ' 9 !� / eb./-(b t
COUNCIL MEMBER DATE
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK DAVID DLER, 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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