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Home My WebLink About11/03/1987 Study Session 156 NOVEMBER 3, 1987 STUDYSESSION /BUSINESS MEETING • 1. ROLL CALL - The City Council met in session on this date at 2:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Assistant Mayor Clarence Barnett, presiding, Council members Pat Berndt, Lynn Buchanan, Lynn Carmichael, Jerry Foy and Bernard Sims present on roll call. City Manager Zais, City Attorney Vanek, City Clerk Roberts and Deputy City•Clerk Toney • also present. (Mayor Henry Beauchamp present after 2:15 2. INVOCATION • The Invocation was given by Council member Berndt. _ 3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER .Council member Carmichael stated the committee has reviewed the applications for the Regional Planning Commission, and recommends that Jim Kurbitz be appointed to the Regional Planning Commission as the delegate from the City of Yakima. It was MOVED by Foy, seconded by Berndt, to . approve the recommendation. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Beauchamp absent. • City Manager Zais introduced Archie Sutton, the new Personnel Officer, to the Council members and welcomed him to the City of Yakima. 4. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Beauchamp referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning whether there were any additions or deletions from either Council members or citizens present. _There being no additions or •r deletions, the City Clerk then ead the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances by title. It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Buchanan, that the Consent Agenda, as read, be passed. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. Beauchamp - absent. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by -an asterisk ( *) indicate items on the Consent Agenda,handl"ed,under one motion without further discussion.) 5. CONSIDERATION OF LEGISLATION REGARDING AGPLEX FACILITY: A. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH YAKIMA COUNTY MODIFYING THE JOINT ACQUISITION OF CONVENTION CENTER AGREEMENT FOR PARTIAL FINANCING OF THE AGPLEX FACILITY Barbara Harris, 1911 West Yakima Avenue, initiated discussion on this issue, stating she believes jobs will be generated through the construction of the Agplex, however, she is not sure the City will benefit fromit. Council member Foy stated the City and County have benefited from the construction of the Convention Center, and he believes both entities will benefit from construction of the Agplex. Mrs. Harris expressed concern about the opposition the City is experiencing in an attempt to annex property on the eastside of town. She stated those citizens signed outside utility agreements a number of years ago, in which they agreed to annex to the City, and now they are opposing the annexation. She cautioned about becoming involved in an agreement with the County that is not "air tight." Council member Foy explained that the eastside annexation referred to by Mrs. Harris must be processed through the Boundary Review Board, and that board is governed by state law, rather than the County. He pointed out that those citizens who have signed outside utility agreements, and reside outside the city limits, currently pay 50% more for sewer assessment than citizens inside the City limits. Paul Harris, 1911 West Yakima Avenue, questioned if Council can approve the resolution authorizing execution of the agreement with Yakima County modifying the joint acquisition of convention center agreement for partial financing of the Agplex facility without consideration of Item 5 -B (consideration of an ordinance amending the business license fee schedule to finance. the City's participation in the Agplex facility.) It was B -4 NOVEMBER 3, 1987 157 explained that these are two separate items and may be acted upon as such. Mr. Harris stated he' ,believes the Agplex is 'a good "idea, but imutioned about raising taxes to assist in the financing of the facility. He spoke of the one million dollar shortfall anticipated 'in the City's budget next year, improvements needed to the City's storm drainage system, the drop in the stock market, an increase in school taxes, etc., adding.these are all concerns which need to be taken into consideration prior to raising additional taxes. (Assistant Mayor Barnett turned the gavel over to Mayor Beauchamp at this time.) Resolution No D -5404 having been read by title • only, it was MOVED by Foy, seconded by Sims, that the resolution be adopted. Under discussion, Barbara Harris questioned how the insurance on the Agplex would be handled. City Manager Zais explained that the County will be .given the opportunity to purchase insurance coverage at a discounted rate under the City's policy. He'stated ?if the County chooses not to do' this, and the building should be destroyed or damaged by fire, they .would be obligated to restore or repair the building within three years or less. The question was called for a vote on the motion. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. • RESOLUTION NO. D -5404, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Yakima County modifying the City /County Agreement for Joint Acquisition of Convention Center. B. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE BUSINESS LICENSE FEE SCHEDULE TO. FINANCE CITY PARTICIPATION IN THE AGPLEX FACILITY (CONTINUED FROM 10/20/87) r.' The ordinance presented as "Option 1" having been read by title only, it was MOVED by Foy, seconded by Berndt, that the ordinance be adopted. Under discussion, Council member Buchanan stated he 'still believes the •ordinance excessively taxes small businesses, •therefore, is not equitable. Council member Berndt stated the tax is not based on profit, and it does not require" any more work to license a large bu versus small business. She pointed out that this is a twenty year program and it is highly unlikely the City would not be increasing business license fees in that • l period of time. Counci Barnett stated this structure has ' been in effect for 37 years and issue of amending it never beem- discussed • during his tenure on the Council. He 'stated he supports the ordinance. In further discussion, staff. indicated they are willing' to, study the issue and make 'a recommendation for next year if Council so question was called for a vote on the motion. Carried' by 6 -1 roll call vote. Buchanan voting nay. - - ORDINANCE NO 3060; AN ORDINANCEelating to license and 'business regulations; adopting a business '.license ,fee and a schedule of rates . therefor; and amending S ection 5.52.030' of the`City of 'Yakima Municipal Code. ' 6. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING' EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH YAKIMA SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 7 FOR USE OF KISSEL PARK AS' AN AGRICULTURAL. • LABORATORY Public Works Director Jerry Copeland related`that the Parks & Recreation Commission supports Lease Option No. 1 which allows the School District the use of - Kissel Park without a fee. Council member Barnett requested the reading of the resolution w ith attachment 1. = Resolution • No'. ' D -5405 having . been read by title, it was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Foy'to approve Lease Option No 1. Bob Alexander,, Principal of Eisenhower High School, • ' briefly addressed Council regarding this proposed program and the lease agreement, expressing concern "with the terms of cancellation. He was assured by 'Council member Foy that the City is willing to work with the School District on this, and he does not foresee a problem in this regard. Council member. Carmichael stated she'checked on the irrigation assessment and learned there is 'a well on the property, thus eliminating the irrigation assessment. She stated she also checked on the taxes and learned that the School District is not liable for `leasehold taxes. The question was called for a vote on the motion. Unanimously carried 'by r oll call vote. As an additional point of information, Council member Carmichael stated she had originally thought the City was collecting $700 a "year from . the lease of the property, however, the City has been:unable to collect any lease Money for some time. She indicated the School District's proposal • will be a much better use for the land. - B -4 158" NOVEMBER 3, 1987 RESOLUTION NO. D -5405, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager and the. City Clerk of the City Yakima to execute a Kissel Park Lease Agreement with Yakima School District No. 7. • *7. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST BY THE YAKIMA AIR. TERMINAL BOARD FOR CONCURRENCE OF EXPANSION OF FIRE STATION NO. 4 AT THE YAKIMA AIR TERMINAL The staff report regarding the request by the Yakima Air Terminal Board for Council concurrence of expansion of Fire Station No. 4 at the Yakima Air Terminal, and the staff recommendation for Council to concur with the modification plans, was accepted. *8. SET DATE OF PUBLIC MEETING FOR REZONE OF PROPERTY IN THE 100 BLOCK OF NORTH NACHES AVENUE, ON THE EAST SIDE, AS REQUESTED BY Gene P. MAYER, FOR NOVEMBER 17 1987 November 17, 1987 was set as the date of i public =" - meeting' on 1 the =rezone of property in the 100 block of North Naches ofi the , East side, as requested by Gene P. Mayer. *9. SET DATE OF PUBLIC MEETING FOR COUNCIL INITIATED REZONE OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 501 W. WASHINGTON, REQUESTED BY NEIL BUREN, FOR NOVEMBER 24, 1987 . November 24, 1987 was set as the date of public meeting on the Council initiated rezone of property located at 501 W. Washington, as requested by Neil Buren. 10. CONSIDERATION OF TRANSIT ADVERTISING PROGRAM (CONTINUED FROM 4/14/87 - REMOVE ITEM FROM TABLE) It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Berndt, to remove this item from the table for discussion. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Director of • Public Works Jerry Copeland distributed an analysis of the. current ., facilities, current, staffing and how they operate in their marketing capacities. Council member Foy stated after learning from the City Attorney that Transit's current trade out method of advertising on the City busses could lead to an anti -trust situation, the program was discontinued. He spoke of, the need • to provide additional funding each year for the Dial- A -Ride program, stating he believes the text, provided by Mr. Copeland, under item 2, In -House Sales /Sales by Bid, would be the provisionary area that he could support because it would insure all interested advertisers an opportunity to bid on the space and potentially generate more revenue through agents, sales. He referred to the job classification of Customer Relations Coordinator in which one of the duties of the job is to "develop, implement, and'maintain revenue producing sales programs such as vehicle charter service and advertising space sales." Council member Foy stated he believes the use of exterior advertising Option 2, with the in house sale, with no additional staff, because the Customer Relation Coordinator was hired for that purpose. Discussion regarding the duties of the Customer Relations Coordinator followed, with Mr. Copeland agreeing that the job description does include "develops, implements, and maintains revenue producing sales programs such as vehicle charter service and advertising space. sales." He stated should Council decide to go outside for advertising, staff can prepare a report with two different proposals for. Council's consideration. This was the general consensus of the Council. It was noted that a representative from the Washington Transit Advertising Company was in the audience and Mayor Beauchamp stated he would • like to have that person comment on the matter. Pam Olah, Regional Account Manager for Washington Transit Advertising (WTA), stated her company is based in Seattle and their sole business is to work with transit systems in preparing lease agreements and selling the exterior and interior .space on the transit coaches. She stated they do not attempt to do the marketing persons job, however,_ they do work in conjunction with that person as far as providing unsold space for public service organizations, self promotional signs, etc. Mrs. Olah. stated Washington Transit Advertising has been in business for approximately 35 years and reports they have had numerous inquiries, about Yakima. She stated .WTA is very selective about the quality of the graphics, making sure it is representative of the goods and services here in Yakima, and that is why they do not.accept ads for tobacco, liquor, x -rated movies, or advertising that would insia e riots. Mrs. Olah stated the WTA .representative would join the local ad B -4 NOVEMBER 3, 1987 159 clubs, the local chambers and become very involved in the community., In response to Mayor Beauchamp's inquiry, she indicated the City could make a profit from an.advertising program, and this is a negotiated item between the transit system, the City and Washington Transit Advertising. Regarding the length of the contract, she stated they prefer a,minimum of three years. 11. REPORT FROM WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSf?ORTATION REGARDING. THE NOB HILL OVERPASS REHABILITATION PROJECT • City Erigirieer:Dennis Whitcher introduced Leonard Pitman, District V State Engineer, and Don 'Whitehouse, the Project Construction Engineer from the Washington State Department of Transportation. Mr. Whitehouse gave a slide presentation.'illustrating , jthe extensive deck repair work required to complete .. - the . Nob.; Hill' Overpass Project earlier — this this year: The - presentation also illustrated the process used to give the overpass the _ "grooved surface" which is the state of the art method currently used by the WSDOT. This method is called latex- modified concrete and. is designed to create a non -skid type - of - surface to help - reduce accidents under severe winter weather conditions. He suggested the City consider eliminating the use of salt in its de -icing program to prevent future deck contamination. He added the WSDOT has staff available to make recommendations regarding de -icing programs for this type of surface. Mayor Beauchamp asked about the life expectancy of this type of surface. Director of Engineering & • Utilities Denny Covell responded that research indicates the latex- modified concrete should not require repair for 15 to 20 years. There being no formal action required, Mayor Beauchamp thanked Mr. Whitehouse for the informative presentation. 12. OTHER BUSINESS Council member Berndt asked who is responsible for the .lighting on the west side of Lions Pool by the parkway. She : stated the area is very dark at night and asked if something can be done to improve the situation. Public Works Director Jerry Copeland stated the City asked to retain that particular area for parking, and added he will -have staff look at it. Council member Carmichael stated several months ago she requested an analysis of the synchronization of the traffic signals on Yakima Avenue and questioned why the- report has never been presented. City Manager Zais stated this issue is a part of the context of the traffic engineering • study which has been completed by the downtown planning .consultant and will be reviewed by Council at a later date. City Manager Zais explained that he has added to this year's preliminary budget a separate policy issue section which gives a detailed description of those issues Council will be expected to act on. He stated this additional information is located behind the City Manager's message and has been tabbed for easy identification. Council member Foy asked if Council has scheduled a date to meet and discuss issues with the Trade Stimulant Operators. It was determined that such a meeting has not been scheduled. Therefore, Gary McClenaghan was asked to schedule a meeting with the Trade Stimulant Operators and then notify staff of that date. Information Items: Items of information supplied to Council were: Memorandum from Code Administration Manager re: Durham Apartments, 313 So. 4th Street. 10/29/87; Letter from Director, Yakima Sunfair Festival Association, thanking the City Council for its support towards Yakima Sunfair. 10/21/87; Memorandum from Director of Engineering and Utilities regarding Council Inquiries Regarding Miscellaneous Street Construction /Maintenance Operations. 10/23/87; Agenda for October 28, 1987 Police and Fire Civil • Service Commission meeting and minutes of its July 22 and October 12, 1987 meetings; Agenda for the October 28, 1987 Yakima Housing Authority Board • meeting and minutes of its September 23 & 29, 1987 meetings; and Minutes of the.October 7, 1987 Yakima Air Terminal Board meeting. B -4 160 NOVEMBER 3, 1987 13. ADJOURNMENT It was MOVED by Barnett, seconded by Carmichael, to adjourn at the hour of 3:40 p.m. to Tuesday, November 10, 1987 at 9 :00 A.M. Unanimously carried by voice vote. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: � r °¢y�7 /)//[47 CO CIL M DATE 1 . /5 — D.-4.e_ 2 ATTEST COUNCIL MEMBER / DATE the -v.�� 84.E 1► �� / A �� ` < I �; .� : / I • r_ �_ �. lit: i -' a ''' %OR KAREN S. ROBERTS, CITY CLERK H H' MINUTES PREPARED BY:4.,!LNp/* BARBARA J. T EY, D CITY CLERK B -4