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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/05/1972 Special Meeting / Regular Meeting 378 . JUNE • 5; 1972.i MINUTES_ OF_ SPECIAL'MEETING: i. '�'_._ . ,. :.; • . YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL JUNE 5, 1972 • The City Council met in specialsession•pursuant to:due,notice,:.at 1:.30 P.M., June 5, 1972, in the Conference Room: =Hall: Councilmen present at the meeting- were.Mayor"Bert Broad, WrayiBrown;• Lenore:Lambert; :•James Lust, Walter - Robinson, Don Schussler:.and Whitaker, :.iAlso present were City Attorney Fred Andrews, Administrative Assistant. Jim Williams;•: Personnel:Director :Bob Hilsmann +arid` Finance Director- Leonard -Cruse. : :..._ Proposed 1973 Work Programs were reviewed for the following departments: Finance, Legal and Personnel. .... _: . . . :• _ : _. • i The special meeting adjourned :at . .3 :00'. P :M. REGULAR MEETING - JUNE 5, 1972 - 3 :00 O'CLOCK P.M. The City Council then met in regular session at the hour of 3 :00 P.M., Mayor Broad presi- ding, Councilmen Brown, Lambert, Lust, Robinson, Schussler and Whitaker, Administrative Assistant Williams and City_•Attorney Andrews present on roll'.call.: _ca_ty MMana,ger MbMf.ick :en• absent for the month' of June, and attending M.,I..T.•,in •Mass (See Min. 4/3/72 for authorization The Invocation was given by Mayor Broad. The minutes of the regular meeting of May 30, 1972, having been duly certified accurate by . two Councilmen and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly, Mayor Broad declared said minutes approved as recorded.. Mayor Broad presented Mr. Roscoe (Bill) W. Dawson.an -award certifying him as a Purification Plant Operator. Mr. Broad explained that this award is given on the basis of voluntary work done by individuals who would like to improve their efficiency. The Council congra- tulated Mr. Dawson and commended him on his work. This being the time fixed for. a re- hearing on the Appeal from the Planning Commission's decision to deny the Rezone Application filed by Greenwood, Pinard and Others, requesting rezone of property located on North Naches and North Sixth Street between Yakima and Lin- coln Avenues, Director of Planning and Community Development Jay Otto reported that at the Council's request, the Planning Commission reconsidered this application at a special meeting held on May 16, 1972. He further reported that the Commission again reaffirmed the recommendation to deny this rezone, for the following reasons: .(1) rezone inconsistant with General Plan and Central Business District Plan, (2)___in- ,direct, opposition to.concept of discouraging the uneconomical sprawl of commercial development'into peripheral areas of the CBD., and (3) would nullify the positive effect of the Naches Avenue- Parksiay. Mr. Otto reviewed the background of the General:Plan that - was adopted in 1966 by the passage of Ordinance No. 799 and which. has been amended to add a Central Business District Plan, Parks and Recreation Plan, Land Use Plans for Nob Hill Boulevard and Yakima Valley College Vici- nity, and an Arterial Street Classification•Plan. Mr. Otto stated that it is the Planning staff's position that (1) the initial recommendations are still valid as stated, (2) the proponents of this rezone are not correct in their statement that this area is designated as business in the CBD Plan, (3) the statement that if 100% of the property owners request rezoning, it should be rezoned, is fallacious, it doesn't matter how many property owners - are involved, (4) a rezone of this nature does not insure the improvement of an area or preservation of the area's character, (5) this rezone would remove that land from the mul- ti- family, and as long as there is any hope of a rezone the price of that land will be for commercial use, (6) there are almost 23 acres of undeveloped or residentially developed land in the vicinity of this rezone that is currently zoned for B -1 or more intensive land uses, . (7) with •this .amount _o•f .land available for more intensive development, it would appear that the granting of this rezone would be an inducement for continuing land specu- lation of this type, which is neither in the best interests of the community nor intelli- gent land development, and (8) this technique of rezoning to prompt improvement in a given area has been repeatedly tried and has generally had adverse effects on the surrounding areas, because it is then assumed by many property owners that a rezone is possible prin- cipally only after you let your property deteriorate sufficiently, and that anything would be better than what's there now, Mr. Otto reported that thestaff further submits that this rezone is symptomatic of a lack of'concerted support for the CBD and CBD Plan in all policies related to commercial development, and also a lack of effective provision of parking in the downtown. He further reported that the staff recommends (1) reaffirmation of the CBD Plan) implementation of CBD Plan proposals, (3) denial of this rezone, (4) formation of an off - street parking commission and the acquisition of off - street parking facilities, (5) encouragement of pedestrian traffic in the downtown area, (6) continued convention facilities and planning, and (7) the continued encouragement of the CBD beau- tification program. Mr. Otto completed his presentation by stating that the Planning De- partment feels that there is an abundance of property for this land use already. Mr. Harry Whitehead, a property owner involved in the proposed rezone, stated that he had in- tended to assume asecondary role at this meeting, but that his attorney, Mr. Perry Robin- son, is unavailable due to his attending to matters in Superior Court. It was informally agreed that this matter be postponed until later in this same meeting when Mr. Robinson would be available. • An Ordinance appropriating and transferring $22,200 to appropriate accounts within the Ge- neral. Fund for payment of expenses contemplated for the current year having been read in its entirety at this meeting, was laid on the table for one week or until June 12, 1972. Mr. Kenneth R. Hull, a local citizen who lives at 722 North 15th-Avenue, appeared in Coun- cil and protested the enforcement of the animal control ordinance, the zoning ordinance, traffic control on his street and lack of pressure in his irrigation system. After due discussion, Mayor Broad assured Mr. Hull that all of these - matters would be referred to the proper departments and a. report made back to him. Mrs. James Lust, Red Cross volunteer for the water safety program for the summer, brought to the Council's attention that the proposed swimming pools at Lic$s Park and Eisenhower High School are regulation competition depth pools with a shallow end of 32 foot depth, and could not be used for a swim program for children age 8 to 10 years. Mrs. Lust'pr'o- • IL-. • 379 JUNE '5, 1972 posed that one of the new pools have a shallower depth: She also pointed out that since Miller swimming pool is temporarily closed, down, there is a need for a shuttle bus to - transport children-between Miller Park and Lions Pool. Parks and Recreation Director Bill Hutsinpiller explained that the pool depth that is being proposed for the two new pools was arrived at -after talking at some length with school representatives, local swim groups and swimming_ instructors. Mr. Hutsinpiller stated that these'people felt that (1) from a teaching standpoint,."in the schools, they shouldn't start until the fourth grade, so 32 feet is alright, and (2)'the first thing a child has to learn before he swims* is losing " the fear of water. He indicated that the Parks Department'is in hopes that -the school system will institute a porta-pool system in the elementary schools that will support a shallower depth and take care of the younger children. Be explained that the only option to going to a 31/2 foot depth is to remove fixtures and run swim meets fromnthe deep end. Mr. Hutsinpiller indicated-that if it was desired, one pool could be shallower. Discussion indicated that perhaps a one foot portable platform at the bottom of the pool could be use, and Mr. Hutsinpiller stated that this suggestion would. to be looked into before spe -' cif.ications are let for bids. Regarding Mrs. Lust other question about a shuttle bus, Mr. Hutsinpiller explained that this hasialready been arranged for, and that three days a week a bus would pick children up at 12 :30 P.M. and return them at 4 :00 P.M. City Finance Director Leonard Crose presented the 1971 Financial Report. He stated that from the analysis of this report, he recommends that the City propose at least a 30% in- crease in utility'rates to obtain adequate operating revenues. Mr. Crose also discussed the 1971 Industrial Sewer Billing. He stated that the billing is distributed to four ' different customers, those being; Del Monte Corporation, Hops Extract Corporation, Libby' McNeill &Libby and Speas Company. Be explained that the - billing was down from last year, because the flow : was -less and there was no loss from the haying operation. . Administrative Assistant Jim Williams reviewed City Report #151 A Proposal to - Or ganize a Department of Services. He explained that this proposal is a result of a study conducted by himself of 'City Management and Control. He indicated that the proposed plan • requires no additional" but would( increase costs approximately $2000 more a year. Mr. Williams requested that the Council approve the report in its general terms, and indicated that subsequently, legislation would be brought back to the Council to amend the Municipal Code regarding organization of City departments and amendments to the Pay Plan. After due discussion, it was MOVED by Robinson, seconded by Lambert that the City Council authorize preparation of the necessary legislation to carry out this recommenda- tion: carried, Broad, Brown, Lambert, Lust, Robinson, Schussler and Whitaker voting aye by -voice vote.- - Fred Andrews, Acting City Manager, explained that the City'finds it advisable to apply for a loan for planning purposes to investigate the feasibility and make plans for the exten- sion of water services to a proposed industrial park east of the Yakima River. He further explained that if the loan is granted, $50,000 would be advanced to the Planning Department for that purpose. Public Works Director Dave Vargas explained that if the project pro- ceeds, the City has to reimburse the whole amount_of the- planning advance; if it does not proceed, we have to pay off 50% and then pay 6%on the unpaid balance until such time as the project is completed. He reported that -the City,is hoping that all planning could be done and construction started within 8 months of the date the application is approved. After due discussion, it was MOVED by Robinson, seconded by Brown that Resolution No. D -187 authorizing the application for a Grant from the State of Washington to finance planning for installation of water service East of the Yakima River, be passed as read: carried, Broad,. Brown, Lambert, Lust, Robinson-, Schussler and Whitaker voting aye on roll call. RESOLUTION NO. D -1874, A RESOLUTION authorizing filing of an application with the Planning and Community Affairs for an advance to provide for the planning of public works. • Fred Andrews, Acting City Manager, explaining that Prentice Packing &Storage Co., Inc., presently occupies a portion of West B Street right of way "to be•impr with . a'public sidewalk, and that it is in the best interests of the City that a revocable Permit' be gran- ted to said company,.it was MOVED by Brown, seconded by (Whitaker that Resolution No. D- 1875 authorizing the•granting of a Revocable Permit to Prentice Packing & Storage Co., Inc. to occupy a portion of a public sidewalk on West B Street, be passed-as read :carried, Broad, Brown, Lambert, Lust, Robinson, Schussler and Whitaker voting aye on roll call. RESOLUTION NO. D -1875, A RESOLUTION granting a revocable permit to Prentice Packing & Storage Co., Inc., to occupy a portion of a public sidewalk on West B Street between 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue in the City of Yakima. • Fred. Andrews, Acting City Manager, explaining that the City - owns a water meter which has -been_ declared surplus to the City's needs and has no forseeable use, and that it has been recommended that said water meter be sold for not less than $150, it was MOVED by Robinson, • seconded by Schussler that Resolution No. D -1876 authorizing the sale of said surplus water meter, be passed as read: carried, Broad, Brown, Lambert, Lust, Robinson, Schussler and Whitaker voting aye on roll call. • RESOLUTION NO. D- 1876, A RESOLUTION declaring a water meter owned by the City to be surplus property and authorizing its sale. Administrative Assistant Williams requesting approval of out -of -State travel for Glen Pleasant, Signal Maintenance, to attend the International Municipal Signal Association Conference in Great Falls, Montana from June 18 through 21, 1972, it was MOVED by Lambert, seconded by Brown that said out -of -State travel' be approved including expenses: carried, Broad, Brown, Lambert, Lust, Robinson,.Schussler and Whitaker voting aye by voice vote. Councilman Robinson excused at 4:45 P.M. • Mr. Perry :Robinson, being present, the matter of a Rezone Application filed by Greenwood, Pinard and Others was brought back on for discussion. Mr. Robinson contended the Plan- ning Commission's decision to deny the rezone. He stated that through a survey by the Bap- tist personnel sometime ago, it was found that it was not practical to build a high rise apartment building in this area because of the shortage of parking. He further stated that the property owners in this area have found that it is impossible to obtain a sale for a house asTesidential property, and that it is uneconomical to repair the buildings. Mr. Robinson argued that the disputed area is in the support area to the Central Business • 4 • JUNE 5, 1972 District. He stated that it is logical that this area be rezoned in view of the large number of businesses that have and will'be moving out of town, because there isn't room for expansion or sufficient parking space. Mr. Robinson further argued that nowhere in the General Plan does it say that residences should be maintained in the Central Business Dis- trict. Councilman Lambert indicated that the Central Business District Plan should be changed to clarify whether. the City wishes to maintain the parkway as a dividing line for the core area and business, or the City wishes to go across that parkway and put business where the had felt it would be an excellent multiple family area Mr. Zimmerman, a property owner in the proposed rezone, spoke in favor of the Planning Commission's re- commendation to deny the rezone. Mr. Bob Mills; another property owner in the proposed re- zone, spoke in favor-of the rezone. Mr. Whitehead further argued that there is nothing in the General Plan which says that the line is to be drawn in the middle of Naches Avenue. Councilman' Brown spoke in favor of the -rezone, stating that multiple dwellings and B -1 type offices would go very well in this area. He indicated that if we continue to block off this area, we onlyraise the price of property north and south on 2nd, 3rd and 4th Streets. -City Attorney:Andrews explained that no legislation has been prepared on this matter and the decision made by at this meeting would be reflected in a sub- sequent document. After due :discussion, it.was MOVED by Schussler, seconded by Lambert • that the recomnj�eP� d, �ndation of the Planning Commission to deny this rezone application be ac- cepted:/6ambert and voting aye on roll call. Brown and 'Whitaker voting nay on roll call. Robinson absent. • Administrative Assistant Jim Williams requesting approval of out -of- State travel for City Engineer Fritz Jaeger•to travel to Portland, Oregon on June 7, 1972 to. confer with Union Pacific Railroad and Burlington Northern re various street projects and intersection im- provements, it was MOVED by Lambert, seconded by Whitaker that said out -of -State travel be approved including expenses: carried, Broad, Brown, Lambert, Lust, Schussler and Whi- taker voting aye by voice vote. Robinson'absent. • • There being no further business.to come before the. Council, it was MOVED by - Lust, seconded by Whitaker that we do now adjourn,at the hour.of 5:50 P.M.: carried, Broad, Brown, Lam- bert, Lust - , Schussler and Whitaker voting aye.by voice vote. Robinson absent. • • READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY DATE 4D - 4 /2r - 77 • C UNCILMAN • • • • • 0 ---* / ,L .,_ - L. u Ai DATE le — 12 -7 Z • OUNCILMAN • • ATTEST: • • / 6 7 e • 'C I T Y C -L E -R -K MAYOR • • • • • • • • • • • • • •