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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/06/1988 Business Meeting 11 SEPTEMBER 6, 1988 BUSINESS MEETING 1. ROLL CALL • Thet 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 Clarence Barnett, Henry Beauchamp, Jerry Foy, and Bernard Sims present on roll call. City Manager Zais, City Attorney Vanek, and Department•Assistant Barber • also present. Council member Buchanan present after 2:10 P.M. • Council member Carmichael absent and excused. '2. INVOCATION The'.Pledge of Allegiance was led by City Manager Zais. 3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER Mayor Berndt read a proclamation on behalf of the Yakima Greenway Foundation, designating the month of September 1988 as "Yakima Greenway Month ". The proclamation stated Pathway .North shall be completed by October,.1988 and Rotary Lake, formerly Greenway Lake, will be completed by the end of 1988. Barbara Feasey, Executive Director of the Greenway Foundation, was present C. to accept the proclamation. • 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. There being none, Department Assistant Barber then read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions by title. It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Foy, that the Consent Agenda, as read, be passed. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. Buchanan and Carmichael absent. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk ( *) indicate items on the Consent Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion.) *5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 12, 1988 The Council minutes of the July 12, 1988 Adjourned Meeting 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 George Kapellas, President of Diamond Cab Company, 904 South 3rd Street, Yakima 98901, thanked the Council for the opportunity to speak to them about proposed taxi ordinance changes. (Council member Buchanan present after 2:10 P -.M.) Mr. Kapellas stated he and Mr. Bob Buechler, Manager of the Yellow Cab Company, had meetings on this issue and would like the record to show they were diligent with integrity and very, very conscientious not to discuss in any manner either a percentage or a dollar figure in a proposed tax rate increase and appear as being a price fixer. He stated Mr Buechler has not seen his proposed rates and requested Mr•. Buechler address this issue and make suggestions and /or confirm what he suggested. He directed Council's attention to the first item, 5.78.050 (e) of the ordinance which calls for the "wearing of designated hats" by taxi drivers. He stated taxi drivers have not worn hats for many years and asked Council to delete this portion of the ordinance. He stated the second change in item 5.78.100B (2) was introduced in 1978 and currently, the City Council sets a maximum rate. He expressed concern particularly with people being taken from one point to another and being charged different rates. He stated Diamond Cab and Yellow Cab charge the same rates and requested the City Council delete A/AD/1 • y 53 SEPTEMBER '6,7 1988 „ ` this portion of the ordinance and write it so that taxi meter rates would be the same. He stated it'.would be ;an incentive to the Police Department as they would not have to. check two or'three different rates during a vehicle inspection.. He stated the third item regards rate increases. He commented they have an overall increase of 59 percent and in order to stay in business they need help, as the only way the drivers get a pay raise is by City Council action. He pointed out the Comparative Taxicab Rates chart for. the State of Washington shows the Spokane Cab Company's mileage computes out to 1 /10th of a mile, there is an extra charge of $.50 for each additional passenger, and an $18.00 per hour charge for waiting time. Spokane's most recent rate increase was in November, 1987. He stated the Vancouver, Washington Cab Company charges $1.40 for the first 1 /10th of a mile, $.50 for each additional ' passenger, and their last rate increase was in 1981. Mr. Kapellas stated the Tri Cities Delux Cab Company charges $2.25 for the first 1 /10th of a mile with an extra charge of $.50 for each additional passenger. Mr. Kapellas referred to the last page of the proposed changes regarding the Proposed Rate Increase. He requested a rate increase on the Flag Drop from the current $1.00 to $1.50 and a per mile increase from $1.20 to $1.50. He requested an increase for the Extra Passengers from. $.30 to $.50 for each additional passenger and an increase from $12.00 to $18 - .00 per hour for Waiting Time. He explained the City is divided into zones and there is an additional charge of $.30 for each zone crossed. ge requested an increase to $.50 per zone. Mr. Kapellas stated a zone rate is not applicable, nor allowable, if the trip originates or terminates in the central zone or the zero zone under the ' current ordinance 'He stated a 52' percent increase is needed for the maintenance and operation of cabs and salary increases for ' the drivers who have not received one since 1983. Mr. Kapellas requested a set rate for all of the Yakima cab companies. Council member Foy asked to hear from the other cab company at this time. Robert Buechler, Yellow Cab Company Manager, stated.he more or less goes along with what George Kapellas has presented to the City Council. He stated he thinks everything Mr. Kapellas has requested. is reasonable as insurance and maintenance costs have almost doubled. Council member Barnett stated he would like to receive additional specific information and would like. this discussion to be continued. It was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by 'Beauchamp, to take this issue under advisement. Council member Beauchamp.stated he feels the rate increase is fair and he likes the idea of having regulated rates. City Manager Zais stated the motion is appropriate, however, a timeframe should be added so staff may respond, review this, and bring back a report to the City Council. Council member Buchanan withdrew his_ motion, with the consent of the second. It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by • Foy, to refer this item to staff to bring back a recommendation to the City Council in 30 days.,Council member Foy stated he feels the City should drop item' 5.78.050(e) regarding the wearing of hats. He stated, regarding item 5.78.100B (2), he does not care to . see the City of Yakima with unregulated rates because if it is set, they have to to it. The - question was called for a vote on / , the motion. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Carmichael absent. *7. CONSIDERATION OF - RESOLUTION GRANTING A SHORELINE PERMIT AND VARIANCE FOR DEVELOPMENT AT YAKIMA RIVER GREENWAY • RESOLUTION NO. D -5495, A RESOLUTION adopting certain findings of fact, conclusions, and decision with conditions and authorizing the Mayor to execute Shoreline Management Act of 1971 Permit for a recreational development near Rotary Lake and within the Yakima River Greenway. *8. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING DISPOSITION OF SURPLUS PROPERTY IN THE WASTEWATER DIVISION RESOLUTION NO. D -5496, A RESOLUTION declaring certain property surplus and authorizing the sale of such property owned by the City of Yakima. . . 1 A/AD /2 • SEPTEMBER 6, 1988 *9. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION REMANDING THE APPLICATION BY PACIFIC DESIGN ASSOCIATION (CIRCLE K) TO THE HEARING EXAMINER RESOLUTION NO. D -5497, A RESOLUTION remanding the decision of the Hearing Examiner in the matter of the application of Pacific Centers, Inc.' for a convenience store in a B -2 Zone -- City No. UAZO Appeal #1 -88, Examiner No. 88 -8 -39. 10. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FROM CENTRAL WASHINGTON STATE FAIR FOR SHUTTLEBUS SERVICE DURING FAIR_TIME . Council member Buchanan expressed concern regarding'the use of the shuttlebus service in the area.. of the Valley Mall in Union Gap. He Stated he feels this should be discussed by the Transit Committee. Council member Sims commented this service included the SunDome and he, would like to try this on a one season type basis to see if it pis feasible to ::work .together and provide. a service to within a block of our City limits. He stated he feels waiting another week slows up their process in advertising. this opportunity to provide less congestion with what we experienced the last two years to the Fairgrounds.. Council member Foy suggested the bus pull into the lot behind Miner's Drive -In to pick up passengers. He stated he feels it is a worthwhile venture and he would like to try it for a year to see what it does because the City does not have a very good traffic pattern. He stated once the SunDome is completed Yakima needs to know the traffic flow chart. Bill Schultz, Transit Manager, explained we don't have .a very good traffic pattern and this would. help encourage support for a City and County traffic route. Council member Buchanan stated, "the support of the. buses comes from the sales tax, those people down there don't support the sales tax and they should be helping support the buses, instead of the citizens of Yakima supporting the buses alone." Council member Sims agreed. Mr. Schultz stated the Central Washington State Fair does cover its expenses. 'It was MOVED by Sims, seconded by Foy, that Transit extend services during fair time from the Valley Mall to the Central Washington State Fair. Carried by 5 -1 voice vote. Buchanan voting nay. Carmichael absent. .. 11. R ON YAKIMA COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION LONG RANGE PLAN . . Don Skone, Planning Supervisor, stated this item is a draft of the comprehensive program of work for economic ,development in Yakima County and is tor be addressed by .Tim He stated the primary intent is to integrate.all of the Yakima County communities into a team for economic development and Mr. McGree will explain the five major goals of this program. Mr. Skone asked the City Council to consider this program favorably. Tim McGree, Executive Director of the Yakima County Development Association, 10 North 9th Street, stated he appreciates the opportunity to talk about this program as this 'is the most critical thing they have tried to . address in the last couple of years. He stated their objective was to put together a program for Yakima County and they tried to incorporate these plans into one program of action and build a vision of what they think Yakima County's economic picture could look like in the year 2010. Mr. McGree stated that program includes businesses, education, training institutions, governmental entities, labor and private industry. He stated he would like to review the five major goals and. what part the City can play in the County. He referred to the Yakima County Economic Development Long Range Plan Summary and requested comments and ideas from the City Council members. Mr. McGree reviewed the major goals as follows: 1) Encourage Business Retention and Expansion; he stated the City of Yakima is involved working with the Urban,Area Zoning Plan. He stated something we can do is formalize more retention programs. 2) Implement Effective Industrial Recruitment Programs; Mr. McGree stated the City of Yakima's responsibility was provided by the City staff's responsiveness to the program's needs. 3) Encourage the Development of New. Business Ventures; he stated if we did not include.that, we would not be a competent economic development organization. 4) Enhance Attractiveness,to Industry; he stated the goal is to make the quality of life better, such as A/AD /3 • � SEPTEMBER ,'6 =`', 1988 Council's support against drugs. He stated we need to make and develop infrastructure development to retain an attractive environment for the community. 5) Encourage Broad Public and Private Sector Involvement; he stated we need to develop communication and build cooperation between public and.private sectors. Mr. McGree stated we cannot emphasize enough how important it is to make the proper structures for this program. He stated our intent is to submit it to the various City Councils and ask each Council to review this plan and make their comments and sometime this winter a community economic summit meeting will be called. He stated there are specific organizations to accompany this plan such as Yakima Valley Community College, Heritage College, and J. M. Perry Institute which offer educational and technical advice. He commented when we accomplish one of these goals it will be taken off the computer and another goal added. Mr. McGree asked the Yakima City Council for their approval and adoption of this plan. Mr. Skone stated staff would like to have • Council's response directed particularly to himself, Fred Stouder, - and Glenn Rice, who are the members on the team and will be giving the City's response to Y.C.E.D.A. Mr. Skone stated they wanted the opportunity today to initiate this review. with the City • Council. It was MOVED by Foy, seconded by Beauchamp, to accept the report and tentatively' adopt the plan assuming there will be revisions. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Carmichael absent. Mayor Berndt commended Tim McGree on the work put into this report. ' 12. REVIEW OF ADJUSTMENTS AND CHANGES TO BE PART OF FINAL UTILITY COMPREHENSIVE PLANS Fred Stouder, Assistant City Manager, was present to answer questions for the Council members regarding the adjustments and changes to the Comprehensive Utility Plans. He stated this item deals with the Comprehensive Sewer Plan and a review is scheduled for the hearing of the plan. Mr. Stouder stated Dennis Covell, Director of Engineering' and Utilities, Chris Waarvick, Wastewater Superintendent , and Ty Wick, Water - Superintendent, are also present to answer questions for the 'Council members. Council member Barnett presented a handout to the Council members and staff regarding Item No. 12 (Sewer Plan). He stated the CCRC (Capital Cost Recovery Charge) and timing for the extension of trunk sewer lines raises issues that have not been fully addressed, and may have impact on the credibility of funding. He stated the purpose of the questions he handed out is that if any of these had any legal impediment, the whole financing plan might have to be changed. He stated it has been six months, yet we keep having portions of this plan submitted to us. He stated until" these issues are fully resolved he doesn't see how we can come up with any financing plan. Mr. Waarvick stated staff feels there are other projects we need to spend money on and if DOE wants more projects they will have to come up with some funds. Council member Barnett asked if it does not meet the DOE criteria, is there any possibility they might lower our financial rating? Mr. Stouder confirmed the CCRC can be increased, however, he does not think we are going to have difficulty with funding over the next five years. Council member Barnett asked if Tables X -II and IX -II have not been adjusted to reflect the expanded scope and the acceleration of projects and are these changes valid? Mr. Waarvick stated the City does not have these monies in hand. He stated, secondly, we will be encompassing our financial plan into the Comprehensive Plan which should take care of the majority financing concerns. He stated the Financing Plan that is in the Draft Plan. will bring in our "dream plan ", if it is adopted. Council member Barnett pointed out this does not include the additional requirements (for example, the river diffuser) and some of these additional costs so, therefore, with the public reading their computations, it doesn't have any meaning. Council member Barnett stated he wished staff would get that CCRC resolved and DOE would get us something in writing so we know where we stand. City Manager Zais asked if at the time Forrest Walls was here reviewing legal issues, did he not address that subject? Council member Barnett responded, "Yes" he did, but, when A/AD /4 y545 • • SEPTEMBER 6, 1988 it, came down to these issues on the new CCRC being tried for all areas,. he did not discuss, to the best of his knowledge, the permissible rate discrimination. Council member Barnett stated those three issues are in Mr. Walls letter, in which he said, these • issues should be looked into, however, he did not say he was going to: unless he was so requested. Council member Barnett stated he believes this has a definite bearing on any financial fund and we should have the answers to these issues, before we try to finalize a ; finance plan. It was MOVED by Foy, . seconded by. Beauchamp, to accept staff's report. Council member Barnett asked if this motion • is accepted, does that mean staff is not going to make any changes and Mr. Waarvick responded staff will .be making more changes. Mt. Stouder confirmed staff will take care of the issues Council member Barnett. asked about today. Unanimously,;carried by voice vote. Carmichael absent. 13. OTHER-BUSINESS City Manager Zais 'reported the City of Yakima received an emergency request during the Labor Day weekend from Ferry County on behalf of the City of Republic, Washington along with other Eastern Washington cities to assist fighting a forest fire in that area. They requested nearly 40 law enforcement people from Eastern Washington in that effort. He stated Lt. Mike Welton contacted him and put together a group of about six or seven people including one reserve officer and one lieutenant. City Manager Zais stated we felt that was an important level of assistance that we could provide. them. He stated he understands there will be a 50 per cent recovery cost to the City of Yakima for their emergency assistance. .14. EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY AND PENDING AND PROSPECTIVE LITIGATION • It.was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Foy.,'to move into Executive Session for approximately 40 minutes for the purpose of discussing acquisition of_ property and.pending and prospective litigation, to be followed by immediate adjournment. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Carmichael absent. 15. ADJOURNMENT i Following the completion of the Executive Session, the meeting was • adjourned at the hour of 4:15 P.M. / • READ ANDCERTIFIED ACCURATE BY .� • OP M ER 'ATE • � f , ; � � �.�. ` O ! L�� - � — M Gtr k �I CIL MEMBER DATE ATTEST:. ACTING CITY CLERK MAYOR • • A/AD /5