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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/05/1988 Business Meeting 282 APRIL 5, 1988 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. Mayor Pat Berndt, presiding, Council members Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan, Lynn Carmichael; Jerry Foy and Bernard Sims present on roll call. Council member Clarence Barnett absent' and excused. City Manager Zais,' Assistant City Attorney Carberry, City Clerk Roberts and Deputy City Clerk Toney also present. 2. INVOCATION The Invocation was given by Council member Foy. ,OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER ♦ i Mayor Berndt read a proclamation designating April 10, 1988 Chocolate Fantasy Day the City of Yakima. Chocolate Fantasy Day is to be celebrated in the Red Lion 'Grand Ballroom from 10:00 a.m. to. -- 55:00 °p.m. 'and everyone. was encouraged to participate. The proclamation was accepted by Eileen Cook, representative of the .Christmas Festival Association and Chocolate Fantasy Association. Mrs. Cook,presented each of the council members with a small box of . chocolates, teddy.bear and balloon. -_ Housing Planner Joan Davenport accepted a proclamation read by Mayor Berndt designating the week of April 2 -9, 1988 as "National Community Development Week" in the City of Yakima. 4. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Berndt 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. 10 was added to the Consent Agenda at the request of Council _member Carmichael. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, - including resolutions and ordinances by title. It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Sims, that the Consent Agenda, as read, be passed. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. Barnett absent. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk ( *) indicate items on the Consent Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion.) *5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETINGS OF MARCH 1, 12 & 15, 1988 The Council minutes of March 1, 12 & 15, 1988 were approved, having been duly certified accurate by two Council members and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly. 6. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Jerry Henderson, 309 North 35th Avenue, President of the Yakima Interurban Lines Association, announced and invited Council to Media Day, Thursday May 10, 1988 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the • Yakima Valley Trolley Barns. He issued a special invitation to City Manager Zais, City Attorney Vanek, Director of Community, & Economic Development Rice and Director of Engineering and Utilities Covell. Mr. Henderson stated Mother's Day weekend will begin the 1988 trolley season. He distributed promotional yellow caps to all seated at the Council dais and encouraged everyone to ride the trolleys. 7. DISCUSSION REGARDING COMMUNITY TASK FORCE ON DRUGS Mayor Berndt reported on the progress of the Community Task Force, stating the proposal by the Yakima Coalition for the War on Drugs AAD /1 283 APRIL 5,.1988 presented today is a result of the task'force committee that has been meeting since March 8, 1988 in an effort to find a solution to the . City's current drug problem. She stated the basis of this proposal is that there,will be one key, person hired jointly by the Yakima School District, the City „and the County to coordinate all of the organizations and volunteers in an effort to ascertain the .needs of the Community. Council members Foy and Carmichael spoke in support of the proposal, encouraging interested..citizens to . .offer, any helpful suggestions to the Council and the Yakima Coalition for the War on Drugs.'Council member Beauchamp asked for clarification of the duties and responsibilities of the coordinator for he coalition. Mayor Berndt stated neither the salary, nor the job description has been established,,.however, there will be a definite distinction made between the -role, of the coordinator and that of law enforcement officials. She further explained that Council is only being asked to approve the concept of the proposal today, and, is, not expected to make recommendations for the job description or salary.,It,was MOVED by Foy,'seconded by. Carmichael, to adopt the proposal as rendered so that we can forward with this. Council member Carmichael commented she seconded -the motion with the, understanding that the proposal'will be brought back to the Council,in more detail, later, that.the proposal presented today :is merely a rough, draft;. with only.., -the concept being approved at this time. The question, was called for a vote on the, motion. Unanimously carried by voice.vote. Barnett absent. Mayor Berndt thanked .the citizens for their involvement and participation in this effort, stating, hopefully, ,.this will give them another resource upon which to draw in their attempt to find .a solution to the drug problem. 8.., REPORT FROM DEPARTMENTS .OF COMMUNITY, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC . WORKS REGARDING ,DEVELOPER REQUEST. _ FOR , ANGLE PARKING MODIFICATION AND REMOVAL OF MID- BLOCK. CROSSWALK..FOR COMMERCIAL HOTEL DEVELOPMENT Director of Public,. Works,. Jerry Copeland, stated this_report is from several city departments in response to Paul Cook's request to change from parallel parking to 30 degree angle parking on Yakima Avenue between 2nd, Street and 3rd, Street. He then yielded , to, questions.from Council'members. Council member,Foy referred to Exhibit C, which.is staff's alternate to Mr. Cook's, proposal, and asked Mr. Copeland to comment on .. this .. Mr . Copeland stated he has had some prior experience with the 30 degree angle parking and he believes this type of parking offers a greater safety' factor over the .45 degree,.angle parking, however, according to parking and traffic, studies, parallel parking remains the safest method of parking.. He stated:. with the 30 degree angle,. parking, 'motorists are better_ able..to. back into one lane of traffic rather than backing.into two lanes, and are better able, to see what. is directly behind them when backing. .Council member Beauchamp noted,.that the Downtown Area Redevelopment Committee refused to take a position on this ,issue. and. ,questioned , why..Glenn Rice,. Director of Community & Economic .Development,, stated DARC was advised,- of Mr. Cook's proposal,, but they . did not , take a position , on the , angle ' parking. . They did, however, take a position on the removal:of the mid -block . crosswalk. Council member Carmichael stated a year ago she made a . motion, which. was supported by Council,. to,have.the traffic-, lights . on - Yakima . Avenue - synchronized and was told this issue `. has, .not yet been addressed by-staff, because this is ..a. part of. the downtown transportation and traffic,, study, .being conducted by,the. Transpo Group. - She .asked..when the study will, be .completed and the recommendations presented to Council. Mr .. Rice�statedthe .study is currently in draft form and_ is being,.. .reviewed . and:' sumn by staff with the intent of presenting this information to the downtown:merchants_and the_City.Council, hopefully_in June July. .Mrs. Carmichael...stated in view of__this.. information, if Council .,takes .no action. on .this issue today, how will this impact Mr. Cook's development. project—Mr. Rice stated the :draft study recommends_one of two ways to handle the traffic flow and parking, or .a continued .combination, such as currently,. exists. Lights can be.- synchronized and the mid -block crosswalk removed, making Yakima Avenue more of an arterial; or you can restrict it further by AAD /2. 284 APRIL 5, 1988 having two lane traffic with the angle parking. He stated this is a policy decision that will came before the Council after completion of the study. Council member Carmichael asked if Council makes a decision today, and that decision is later proven erroneous (by the study), what will happen at that time? She expressed concerns about taking any action on this today. Mr. Rice stated that is a decision Council will have to make based on the information presented. City Manager Zais stated Mr. Cook is anxious to have an answer to his request so he may proceed 'with his project. Council member Carmichael stated her question was not answered and again asked what is the City requiring of Mr. Cook? Mr. Rice stated this proposal' shows 30 degree.angle parking with the cost of $58,000 being borne by Mr. Cook. If Council approves this request' today, there will be angle parking on'the south side of Yakima Avenue from 3rd Street to 4th Street. Juliana' Dennis, representative of ,Nordstrom's store, spoke in opposition to Mr. Cook's proposal. She stated'if the request is granted it will: 1) require the water' department to relocate its . vaults, ,water meters and services, 2) during the time fire services are off, those buildings affected will have. to be vacated,' 3) the outside lighting for Nordstrom's will have to be relocated, and 4) 13 foot sidewalks will be reduced to 5 -6 foot, eliminating the feasibility of the sidewalk cafe Nordstrom's has operated for the past year. She indicated none of these issues were brought to the attention of the Nordstratt store,*and she would like more specifics on this. Mr. Rice commented all of the things Mrs. Dennis mentioned will occur if the proposal is approved today. Mr. Copeland stated the sidewalks will be reduced to eight or nine feet and will still have to accommodate the light standards, therefore, reducing the sidewalks to 5 -6 foot, which will not allow sufficient room for the sidewalk cafe. Council member Sims asked how many parking stalls this .new arrangement will create and Mr. Rice responded, three. Al Royal, 154 Gorton Road,, Naches, representative of the Yakima Mall, spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating'he believes this proposal is premature, especially in of the fact that there are two major projects being planned for the corner of 3rd Street and Yakima Avenue. He stated he is not at liberty to discuss those projects at this time, however. Richard Neten, Yakima Mall representative for Joe Morrier, stated Mr. Morrier is opposed to the proposal because he believes will • impede traffic and contribute to accidents' in that area. He stated the additional developments mentioned by Mr. Royal are • still negotiation and should be concluded shortly,' but he believes they will add to the burden of traffic congestion at the corner of 3rd Street and Yakima Avenue. He expressed concern ' about the angle parking because traffic studies indicate parallel parking is the safest method of 'parking in .a heavy. traffic area. He urged the City Council to monitor any changes from parallel 'to diagonal parking in the downtown area. ' Council member Carmichael noted the narrative speaks to the planters in the streets, but does not'address the trees on the south side of Yakima Avenue. She asked if the trees will have to be removed fram the sidewalks if this proposal is approved. Mr. 'Copeland stated it will be necessary .to remove them if this proposal, or any other proposal that calls for a reduction`in the width of the sidewalks, is approved. Council member Beauchamp asked if the three additional parking spaces. is the only reason for this request and Mr: Copeland responded, no, Mr. Cook feels the angle. parkin is more suitable for his tenants in the renovated Conmtercial Hotel Building. Mr. Rice stated Mr. Cook has undertaken the renovation of the old Commercial Hotel building and has a delicatessen located in the • west side of the building, a book store and some other first floor AAD /3 285 APRIL . 5-, , 1988 tenants`. Mr. Rice "stated the proposal, as he understands it, is to renovate the second and third and fourth floors - with other types of office Uses that are appropriate': for- the Central' Business District zone. Mr:" Cook believes the issue of parking is important for his business and clientele. • - ' , - Paid •Cook,'proponent of the request, stated he had been persuaded to renovate Commercial Hotel Building with the condition that - angle parking' would be permitted. He Stated it the traffic and tr =ansportation - study reveals • that • the angle parking is not advisable; he will expect all of the 'parking along Yakima Avenue to ,be changed to parallel parking. Mr. Cook explained that he had spoken with the °local people at Nordstran's, the bank, and the liquor store, and '.all were in favor of the •transition, however, do not' want to pay for it. He indicated if Council feels they must have the results of the study prior to making a decision, he will delay development of the top four floors.. Council member'Beauchanp - -stated he is not as concerned about the angle parking as he is with the disruption- to "'�th& local businesses: - _ ---- . , . Council member Foy explained that angle parking exists in front of the Tree because: the left turn lane was eliminated in front of that business. He stated this ' arrangement has also allowed the Y sidewalk' to remain uniform on Yakima -' Avenue. He stated in the past the 'Council `has allowed 'angle parking in front of sane of the businesses on' Yakima 'Avenue ' because they ' felt Ithey ` were in 'compliance with RCW 46. Mr. - Foy stated Mr. 'Cook- had 'a .valid point when - he commented that if he is denied the 30 Ydegree angle parking, he will - expect the other businesses along :Yakima` Avenue that currently - have angle parking to convert to parallel parking. Council member Carmichael• stated that portion of Yakima ;Avenue was taken off • the :arterial designation in rthe 1970's 'renovation of the Central - Business District because' the downtown area wanted to :slow; traffic down; She - stated the situation seems to have changed since that time;' and if 'Council is: going .to put _this back on the rolls - as an arterial, she would like to - 'consider Yakima Avenue" as a'' whole` entity. - - It was -MOVED by Foy', seconded by Carmichael, , to table this until the time the report canes in so we can see ;what: the .recommendations on policy 'changes are,.: and what policy issues there might be. Council member Carmichael..comnented ‘• she seconded. the motion' with the : hope that ,it does not inconvenience Mr. Cook, and that it is in his.dnterest as well that the issue be "delayed. Mayor Berndt asked • if this i includes the removals' of' the mid =block crosswalk and Council.- member Foy - , responded yes. The question was : called for a vote on the motion. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Barnett absent. t - , . ' . , :9. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FROM 'CONFERENCE OF GOVERNMENTS '-REGARDING - FUNDING FOR APPRAISAL'' OF RIGHT -OF -WAY" - ON WASHINGTON AVENUE ' EXTENSION :• .; ,; Dennis'Whitcher, City Engineer,: was present respond: to Council's 'inquires id 'the absence of Dennis COvell,' Director'of Engineering & Utilities. Council member Carmichael asked if this .'area-'fis in the city limits' and Mr. 'Whitcher responded, :it is' in' the- county. Mr. Whitener ' stated - in 1986" it' was decided ' to 'investigate the Rudkin Road interchange from Washington Avenue to Valley Mall Boulevard. The City agreed `to contribute $2 ,500 to' a study which :.was - conducted :bye the Yakima Valley of Governments: Director of Public Works, Jerry Copeland; - interjected' he-- , _had!:' first:: presented this issue to the 'Council hoping that the City_-could have. a positive 'affect on what ' might occur at that interchange 'and make 'sure the , City of Yakima benefits from- whatever decision is made; He stated ' 'staff r did' not 'want I to see the City of r sealed off from the interchange with: the city of 'Union Gap having the only access to the freeway. ;Council : member. Carmichael .r stated the- letter from Union `Gap indicates- they are.. not interested in this project `and now the burden' 'seems to be' shifting back to the City of Yakima. She indicated 'this is County "-property: and rdoes not feel the City should . AAD /4 0 286 APRIL 5, 1988 have to bear, the expense of this project as the ,City will not benefit accordingly. Mr. Whitcher stated the proposal is•that all five entities participate in the study. He indicated Union•.Gap has made the decision not to participate, and :the City Council has that right. It was MOVED by Foy, seconded by Carmichael, for denial of the staff recommendation. Under discussion, Council member Beauchamp stated he is not sure it is in the best. interest of the • City:to move for denial. He stated Washington Avenue is important for getting traffic'into our city and allowing traffic from the • south part of the city to get .to and from the airport and post office. Council member Buchanan stated his first reaction to this proposal was to reject staff's recouunendation. However, the -current situation is that the interchange dead ends without access . to the west side of the valley and if there is to be an • interchange, Council should anticipate spending this money. Council member Foy suggested this be directed back to Union Gap as they will be the biggest benefactor from this proposal. He stated they have approximately $400,000 of hotel /motel tax from which the funding for•the appraisal -of right -of -way could be taken, however, if they'do not wish to use those funds, he suggested they apply for a grant from the Department of Transportation through COG. Mr. Foy stated he has seen the airport study and believes the airport will be requesting funding from the City. He asked Mr. Zais. to see that the Council members are provided with a copy of the airport study. Mr. Foy stated he believes his motion is still appropriate. Mayor Berndt stated she will support the consensus of the Council, - however, indicated she does feel this is a viable project and would hate to see it .defeated due to the lack of, funding.. She asked staff to keep the Council informed, as to the status of this project..Mr.• Whitcher pointed out that if Council should approve this proposal as submitted today, staff cannot authorize or spend the money without altering the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). He indicated this would require a special meeting, or Council would have to wait until June to modify the TIP because the funding source is the , 1/2. cent gas tax. Council member Carmichael • stated Union Gap benefits from the 1/2 cent gas tax collected at the gas stations located just off I -82 whereas the City receives ,nothing, therefore, she' cannot support this request for funding. Mr. Copeland stated the City of Union gap will not benefit from this, but, the Yakima Air Terminal will benefit-greatly, and it will open up a new avenue for the City as well. Council member Beauchamp inquired to how this would tie,into the freeway, and Mr. Whitcher'responded Washington Avenue would be extended to the freeway. Council. member Sims commented the current situation impedes the fruit trucking traffic on Mead Avenue from getting through the traffic and onto the freeway. He noted there is a new grocery store, the Trillium Corporation, locating on Washington Avenue, as well-as companies already located along. there, that will benefit from such a corridor to I -82. He commented he understands Council member Carmichael's concept that the City is being asked to fund this when the primary benefactor will be the County, but he feels -it is,an important corridor for the City as well. Council member Beauchamp stated in terms of fostering economic and industrial development in the area, this corridor will provide, a needed .avenue for the trucking industry. Discussion ensued regarding the half diamond in which Council member Buchanan stated.a half diamond, as proposed, will allow for outbound traffic to Seattle -and' inbound traffic from Seattle, however,, the major route is actually the southbound out and the,northbound in, and this proposal does not allow for that type -of arrangement. Mr -. Whitcher clarified the issue, stating•the request 'from:COG is for funding for an appraisal of right -of -way on the extension of Washington Avenue and does not include any half or ,full diamond proposals. Council member Foy suggested that staff ask the County to submit all of the plans for the interchange that would connect Washington Avenue to the freeway. He indicated he is aware of other plans by .. -the County which were not provided in the information given 'to Council today. Council member Carmichael . asked if the Council had ever received the report from COG that the City helped to fund in the amount of $2,500. .Mr. Whitcher stated • . the study has been received, but was not included in its entirity in the material, submitted in Mr. Covell's report to Council today. AAD /5 287 APRIL 5,•'1988 ' • He stated "the recommendations from that report ! are ' included' in this material presented 'today.' It' "was MOVED' by Buchanan, . 'seconded by • Beauchamp, to table this until we get a complete report. Carried by 4-2 'voice vote. Carmichael and Foy voting nay: absent. ' , Mr':' Whitcher "asked 'for clarification on the information-:Council . desires to be brought back before their.• Council member Foy suggested staff review the entire report from the County to see who is orchestrating this and where it is going to funnel traffic. ' Council 'member' Beauchamp' commented hez hopes `staff will not • ' interpret 'this today t.to. mean that the. . - :Council r is not interested because hei believes this' is an= issue worth- pursuing and does not want to see it abandoned. . *10. PRESENTATION - OF '1987 YEAR-END' REPORT FROM: THE 'CAPITOL THEATRE II ' COMMITTEE ' The annual statement" for -the•year ending 1987 from the Capitol Theatre • Committee " Board bf Trustees ; -• the financial statement and ' '' - the narrative - summary of - :the' Capitol' Theatre '.operations was • accepted. *11. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING AS' •"QUALIFIED TAX EXEMPT OBLIGATION" UNDER SECTION 265(b) OF INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, THE LEASE /PURCHASE - AGREEMENT FOR ACQUISITION OF A' NEW FIRE TRUCK s, ,. : - . , • >: • • RESOLUTION' NO. D- 5447', ' A RESOLUTION of 'the! City ' Council _ of the City -' - of"Yakima;" Washington, ''designating as' a "qualified tax- exempt obligation" "under 'Section 265(b)= of - ; the 'Federal Iritetna1l'Revenue Code of 1986, a lease - purchase agreement for the acquisition of a . new fire truck. = : ',= • *12. REPORT FROM PERSONNELI` "DIVISION • ' REGARDI -NG• "THEY CITY'S HEALTH INSURANCE' PROGRAM THROUGH DIRECT ADMINISTRATORS `'':-. The report from the'Personnel Division regarding'the'1987year -end , ' medical' insurance status; 'was 'accept -= -' f *13. 'SET` SECOND -DATE OF HEARING `ON THE-'WATER-AND SEWER; COMPREHENSIVE PLANS FOR MAY 3 ;; 1988, 7i00 ; May -3;' 1988 at 7:00 ' p.m.. "in the Council '- Chambers Was set as the date' and -place 'for the 'second"'hearing ' on- the Cityr of 'Yakima Water . Comprehensive Plan and City of Yakima Sewer Comprehensive' Plan. *14. APPROVAL OF RIGHT -OF -WAY USE PERMIT FOR PROPERTY'LOCATED-AT 607 E. YAKIMA'AVENUE, REQUESTED-- BY'THE TOWNE PLAZA MOTOR INN The Right-bf -Way Use Permit to install a - walk' way' awning. at the entrance of Johnny's, 607 E. Yakima Avenue, as requested by the ' Towne Plaza Motor Inn, was accepted. III *15. APPROVAL' - -OF 'FEBRUARY 1988 - TREASURY REPORT '"(STANDARD :'MOTION V -B, ACCEPT AND APPROVE REPORT) ., • : • . ` "11.'' • , . ' - ' The. report from the. Director ' Finance and . Budget dated . ' -.. . 'April _5., 1988, regarding the ,_investments of the' City tof +Yakima for the month of February 1988, was `accepted and approved. . *16:. APPROVAL. OUT -0F -STATE TRAVEL-,TOR JERRY BEESON, FIRE CHIEF, . TO EMMITSBURG,.MARYLAND, .., The Out -of -State travel for Jerry Beeson, Fire Chief, to attend the National Fire Academy's "Strategic Analysis .of .Fire Department . 'Operations Course, in , Emmitsburg, Maryland, -May _,15 -17, .1988',.3: at . a cost'of'$132.00,.was approved. *17. RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF BOB CLEM TO THE AIR TERMINAL BOARD TO FILL A VACANT TERM EXPIRING JUNE 304 1989 ' - •I _. ' • AAD /6 • 288 APRIL 5, 1988 The appointment of Bob Clem to the Air Terminal Board to fill the unexpired term of Melinda Pulliam, to June 30, 1989, was ratified. *18. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AFFIRMING THE HEARING EXAMINER RECOMMENDATION AND REZONING PROPERTY AT 1107 SOUTH 24TH AVENUE, AS .REQUESTED BY M & E COMPANY ORDINANCE NO. 3090, AN ORDINANCE. affirming the Hearing Examiner's • recommendation granting a master application and rezone.of property in the vicinity of 2202'West Nob Hill Boulevard and 1107 South 24th • Avenue, and amending the zoning map of the City of Yakima. *19. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1988 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR PARKS AND RECREATION' DIVISION (FIRST READING) An ordinance appropriating funds for -the Parks, &, Recreation • Division (Gordon Elliot's retirement benefits) having been read by title-only at this meeting was laid on the , table for two weeks or until April 19, 1988 20. OTHER BUSINESS • . City Manager Zais stated he would like to hold a ten : minute executive session regarding the dispositon of property. It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Buchanan, to move into Executive • Session for approximately 10 minutes for - the purpose of - discussing • the disposition of property, and adjourn immediately thereafter. Unanimously carried by. voice vote. Barnett absent:, Information Items: • Items of information supplied to Council were: Notice from COG of special meeting, April 8, 1988, 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. regarding economic impact due to N- Reactor closure; Letter from Assistant Superintendent, Yakima School District No. 7 giving kudos to Bob Shampine and Don Skone, Department of Community & Economic Development for their assistance in processing their application. 3/29/88; Results of On Guard High Crime Targeting Survey Summary; South Naches Street-Cleanup Committee Newsletter, 3/29/88; News Release regarding Compliance With The Safe Drinking Water Act • Amendments Regarding Lead In Drinking Water Systems, 3/31/88; Memorandums from Street & Refuse Divisions Manager regarding Spring Clean -Up program, 3/29/88; County Auditor's ,information regarding results of March 15 Special Election; Agenda for March 23, 1988 Housing Authority Board meeting and minutes of its' February 24; 1988 meeting; Minutes of the February 24 and March 23, 1988 Yakima District Board of Health meeting; and Municipal Water & Wastewater Systems,. 0.& M• Report, Vol. I, No. 3,..Winter 1988: 21. ADJOURNMENT Following the completion of the Executive Session, the-meeting was • adjourned at the hour of 3:42 p.m. • - READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE r n,�G �� Vc la COUN�L MEMBER DATE II ' AP ATTEST: CO IL MEMB r f o.r E • • g a)th,„. K • 2i CITY CLERK PATRICIA A. BERNDT (Minutes prepared by Deputy City Clerk Barbara J. Toney, CMC) • AAD /7