HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-1990-D5712 Gleed Water System 4 3 2 MARCH 6, 1990
article from a Seattle paper about the severe drug problem
in Yakima. He felt Council has not shown support to rid the
streets of drugs. He asked the Council to speak to Judge
McDonald, and ask him to change his decision to give
$250,000 in "the soda pop case" to law enforcement only.
Paul Sears, Bargaining Agent for AFSCME, stated that
employees are here to address the collective bargaining
issues. He encouraged the staff to negotiate a contract.
Chief Green, stated for Mr. Kriz's benefit, that he knows
the Police Department does have the full support of the City
Council and the City Manager in this federal funding matter.
5. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AMENDING THE SERVICE POLICY FOR
THE GLEED WATER SYSTEM TO ACCOMMODATE THE NACHES SCHOOL
DISTRICT'S REQUEST FOR WATER SERVICE
Ty Wick, Water Division Superintendent, stated the request
to extend the water main to the Naches Valley Primary
School. The current policy says requests must come to
Council on a case by case basis. This amendment would make
the extension more limited than the current policy. It only
extends services to existing developments and supplies water
in cases where the water is polluted or contaminated.
Council member Beauchamp asked about the total length of the
water line extension and the final cost. Mr. Wick stated
the line would be a little more than a mile and the cost,
according to the Naches School Superintendent, is $280,000.
Mr. Beauchamp asked if the City would be required to pay any
of this cost. The answer from Mr. Wick was "No ". Council
member Barnett asked if the City would be responsible for
water line maintenance if the school relocated at some
future date. Mr. Wick responded that the City would
maintain it only as long as there was a need. Mr. Barnett
wished to know if the Naches School used all of the water
allocation then would future customers in the area not be
eligible to receive the water? Mr. Wick answered in the
• affirmative. Mr. Barnett then asked if it was the County's
obligation to provide the water to them. City Attorney
Vanek answered the question by stating that the City can
contract within certain geographic limits of the City, but
the County, itself, does not have an obligation to provide
the school with water. Mr. Barnett then wanted to know what
action has been taken by the Naches School District to
obtain water from another source. John Jones,
Superintendent of Naches Valley School District, responded
that the Department of Health said the well, which has been
there for 50 years, is in a hazardous location and they want
to relocate or to find a new water source. The engineers
are concerned about the water quality in the Gleed area.
The consultants encouraged the school to find a permanent
water system, rather than drill another well. Mr. Jones
stated that getting water from the City is costlier, but it
is a long term solution that will serve the area forever.
Mr. Barnett asked Mr. Jones if there are any water rights
to be transferred to the City. No one had an answer to
this. There were questions from the Council about the long-
term maintenance provision. They were informed that this
line has a life in excess of 100 years.
Ines Rice, 4409 Arlington, spoke in opposition to this
resolution. She felt the City's first concern is to the
City residents, not to Gleed or others. She suggested that
developers, when they want water and sewer use from the
City, should designate a dedicated fund for development of
our Rattlesnake watershed.
Betty Gaudette, 701 N. 6th Street, also spoke in opposition.
She also feels the City residents should be the City's first
consideration. She was concerned over the amount of water
Gleed would be using and their water rights.
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MARCH 6, 1990 433
John Klingele, 1312 W. Walnut, spoke in favor of this
resolution because it is seriously needed by the School
District and will provide the City with additional revenue.
Council member Pechtel asked Mr. Wick the difference between
what we can extract and what we use in water. Mr. Wick
answered that the average day's demand is about 11 million
gallons of water a day, the capacity of the plant is 20
million gallons. -Mr. Pechtel commented that he feels in
the future, cities will be asked to furnish water and sewer
to outlying regions, because of contamination, cost of
drilling wells, etc. He feels that the school's need for
water has priority over irrigation.
Council member Semon summarized the comments by stating that
Naches School will pay the capital costs of this system.
The monthly fees will pay for the cost of the maintenance
and other fees will allow the City to recapture some of its
financial investment. Mr. Wick agreed with this assessment.
Mr. Jones further commented that the Council has only been
asked for 20 allocations when there are, 100 available. The .
school might have to relocate if there is not a good water
supply. He stated the Naches area residents also pay taxes
and shop in Yakima and that we are in a society that is
suppose to share and be co- operative.
Resolution No. D -5712 having been read by title, it was
MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY SIMS, THAT THE RESOLUTION BE
ADOPTED. The motion carried by 4- 2,roll call vote. Barnett
and Berndt voting nay. Buchanan absent.
RESOLUTION NO. D - 5712, A RESOLUTION relating to the
extension of domestic water service to the Gleed area;
approving the provisions, terms, and conditions of the Gleed
Water System Utility Agreement; and amending City of Yakima
Resolution No. D -5091, adopted February 26, 1985.
6. REVIEW OF REQUEST FROM CAPITOL THEATRE CORPORATION FOR
ADDITIONAL FUNDING (CONTINUED FROM FEBRUARY 5, 1990)
Glenn Rice, Director of Community & Economic Development,
stated that the Capitol Theatre Committee requested
additional funding for operation and maintenance.
Council member Barnett asked if there was a source of funds
to give to the Theatre and about the future of the
hotel /motel tax. Mr. Rice answered the hotel /motel tax is
expended to its maximum at this time; and it is obligated to
support either the Theatre, the Convention Center or the
SunDome. The tax will be eliminated by 1995.
Council member Beauchamp asked the number of shows put on in
each year in the Yakima Capitol Theatre. Jeanne Connors,
President, Capitol Theatre Committee, responded that the
average number of events were 10 per year, these being major
.1 events. Mr. Beauchamp asked if more events could be added.
Ms. Connors answered that they could put on more, but they
have to put on events with the lowest risk factor,
assuring themselves that the tickets will be sold.
Council member Pechtel asked about an entertainment tax
being a possibility for raising revenue. City Manager Zais,
responded that the City is not proposing the Council enact
that tax, but it is an option to explore. The admission tax
was in effect in Yakima until 1980 -81. The tax was removed
because it was primarily directed at movie theaters and
the owner of the enterprise felt he was paying a
disproportionate burden of taxes. The County has explored
the possibility of an admission tax on other activities,
such as the Air Fair, racetrack, theaters, Convention
Center, SunDome, etc. Mr. Zais stated if this type of
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