HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/01/1966 Business Meeting 191
AUGUST 1, 1966
The City Council met in regular session, Mayor Larson presiding, Councilmen Brazier, Brown,
Kurbitz, Lambert, Lynch and Robinson, City Manager Smith and City Attorney Andrews present
on roll call.
The Invocation was given by Councilman Brazier.
The Minutes of the regular meeting of July 25, 1966, having been duly certified accurate by
two Councilmen and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly, Mayor Larson
declared said Minutes approved as recorded.
This being the time fixed for the continuation of the Hearing on Petition No. 427, as filed
by Marguerite and Will J. Hackett, requesting vacation of a portion of Hamm Avenue, Mr.
Halverson, attorney representing the Hacketts, presented a map to the Council showing the
property involved in this request and the suggested plan for vacating, and the construction
of a street with a cul -de -sac. Since this plan involves other property owners besides the
Hacketts, John Mayo, Director of Public Works, indicated that the property owners will be
contacted to get right -of -way deeds and a re- survey of the situation will be made. After
due discussion, it was MOVED by Robinson, seconded by Lambert that the matter of said
vacation be continued for two weeks to August 15, 1966, to give time to obtain the neces-
sary right -of -way deeds: carried, Brazier, Brown, Kurbitz, Lambert, Larson, Lynch and
Robinson voting aye by voice vote.
The matter of the Bid award for Nob Hill Boulevard Paving District, 4th Avenue to 12th Ave -
nut, L.I.D. No. 916, (Lenox Avenue Arterial Improvement) having been continued from July 1$,
1966, in order that all of the right -of -way on Nob Hill Boulevard could be obtained, it was
MOVED. by Robinson, seconded by Lynch that the recommendation of the City Engineer be accep-
ted and said Bid be awarded to Yakima Cement and Asphalt Company in the amount of $93,3$7.
and that the City Manager be and is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with said
contractor upon the filing of the proper bond and insurance: carried, Brazier, Brown, Kur-
bitz, Lambert, Larson, Lynch and Robinson voting aye by voice vote.
MOVED by Lambert, seconded by Lynch that Ordinance No. $21, proposing to the voters of
Yakima that the City lease and operate a public bus transportation system, retaining Nation-
al City Management Company as transportation consultant, and calling a special election to
submit a proposition to the voters, be passed as read. Mayor Larson opened the meeting for
discussion. Councilman Kurbitz stated that he feels that in considering this proposal we
somehow have gotten away from the purpose of City ownership and is concerned about the ex-
pense of this operation. He read the following prepared statement:
"It is doubtful if there is anyone in the city of Yakima who does not believe that bus
service is desirable. It is regretable that our bus system because of unfavorable
economic conditions could not continue its operation.
"Let there be no mistake regarding my attitude regarding bus service in Yakima. I am
for such a service. I would prefer that it be privately owned and operated. But if
this is an impossibility then I would vote to place on the ballot a choice for our
citizens to authorize city operation of a bus line or termination of this service.
"Almost every citizen in Yakima, I believe, feels that an opportunity should be given
its citizens to vote on a proposition offering bus service in Yakima. Since no pro -
posal of private ownership and operation acceptable to our city staff has been made
there is no alternative but operation by the city if there is to be bus service.
"But the proposal before us today does not offer the operation of bus service by the
city, itself. Instead, it offers to underwrite the entire cost of the operation of a
bus service by outside interests - - -an organization until recently unknown to most of us.
"In the past three years of operation of our local bus company in Yakima, its deficit
averaged $6,000 per year. Under our agreement with National City Lines we are committed
to the loss of over $106,000 per year. This is a loss of over $100,000 a year over the
other operation. With a change in operation and management we face a daily loss of
$300 as compared to a daily loss of less than $20 under our old system.
"If we are to sustain such a loss I feel that our own staff and city employees should
have the opportunity and the responsibility of presiding over the dispursal of these
losses. Surely they would be more sensitive and responsive to our best interests.
"Recently a survey of our bus situation was made by a consultant from Seattle. Among
the facts and recommendations which he made there are several important points that
are pertinent in the continuation of bus service here.
"First, he felt that a reduction in fares would not stimulate new business to a large
degree. Second, patronage of the system would inevitably decline and third, that a
bus system would ultimately prove too unprofitable to maintain. Reluctantly, .I concur
with his views. .
"The proposed taxing method to raise revenue .I believe is fair and certainly a conven-
ient means to provide funds. I feel it is unfortunate that a tax to be raised so con-
veniently and inexpensively could not be used for some other purpose for which we could
achieve lasting benefit for everyone in the city.
"I suggest that such a levy could go far toward the building of underpasses below the
railroad tracks on Yakima Avenue and at C street. It could be applied toward the con-
struction of a Civic Auditorium or the beautification of our river frontage by con-
structing parks and playgrounds. I believe a levy for such a purpose would be accept-
able to most voters in Yakima.
"I find it impossible to vote for a proposition to be offered to the voters of Yakima
through which they will subsidize a company foreign to Yakima and in a manner that
amounts to a cost plus contract reminescent of World War Two contracts.
"I cannot support this ordinance."
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AUGUST 1, 1966 •
Councilman Robinson stated that he feels that this is the only workable system that the
City has been able to achieve and that.the housing unit subsidy tax has to be set high
enough to be sure that it is enough. He further stated that the contract is only for one
year andlif the City is not satisfied with the way'it is working out, it does not have to
renew, and feels that is is wiser to have this consultant than for the City to jump into
the situation itself. Councilman Robinson also stated that the City is insuring a bus
system and giving the people a chance to vote on it. Councilman Lynch stated that the
entire bus situation has been thoroughly discussed at previous meetings, and that since no
private enterprise has offered to take this over, he feels that this proposed. Ordinance is
the only basis on which it can be operated and will be under the direct control, of the City
He further stated that he feels the Council would be remiss in every respect unless the
people of the City are allowed to vote on this proposition and cannot see how anyone can
vote against this Ordinance. He also stated that he concurred.with every statement that
Councilman Robinson made and feels that this is by far the best way to go. Councilmen
Brazier and Brown referred to the estimated large deficit and explained that City employees
would be driving the. buses, which would mean increased wages and newer equipment will be
used, and possibly the number of people riding the busses might be•cu• down by 1/3 due to
• the.fact that many people have found other means of transportation during the time there
has been no bus service. City Manager Smith pointed out that the estimated deficit had
been figured on a 15¢ bus fare basis and that 25¢ had been charged recently and may possibl
be charged if the bus proposition is passed by the people, which would make the deficit
figure -about $$6,000. • He further stated -that the City-will have the final say so on all
points of control regarding the bus situation. Councilman Robinson stated that, since the
proposed Ordinance is written with an emergency clause in it which takes a unanimous vote
• of the Councilmen present to pass, and since Councilman Kurbitz has indicated he intends to
vote against the Ordinance read, it should be amended to delete the emergency clause and
• add the thirty day clause. He pointed out that only a majority vote would then be required
and that it will still be possible to get this matter on the September 20 ballot. After
due discussion, it was MOVED by Robinson, seconded by Lynch that Section 7 of Ordinance No.
• $21 be amended by deleting the emergency clause and inserting the words that "this Ordinanc:
shall be in full force and effect thirty days after its passage, approval and publication"
and also deleting that part in the•Title of said ordinance stating, "and declaring an
emergency ": carried, Brazier, Brown, Lambert, Larson, Lynch and Robinson voting aye by
voice vote. Kurbitz not voting. Mayor Larson then called for the roll call vote to pass
Ordinance. No. $21 as amended: carried, Brazier, Brown, Lambert, Larson, Lynch and Robinson
voting aye on roll call. 'Kurbitz voting nay on roll call.
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ORDINANCE NO. $21, AN ORDINANCE proposing to the voters of the City of Yakima that the City
lease and operate a public bus transportation system and retain National City Management
Company as transportation consultant; specifying and adopting the system or plan proposed
• • and declaring the estimated capital cost thereof; levying and providing for the collection
'Of a housing unit transit subsidy tax and declaring it to be a misdemeanor to refuse to pay
said tax; calling a special election to submit a proposition to the voters of the City of
Yakima for their ratification or rejection of this ordinance.
MOVED by Brazier, seconded by Lynch that Ordinance No. $22 providing for submission to. the
• voters of Yakima, a proposition of whether or not the City should issue general obligation
• bonds in the amount of $69$,000 to provide funds for improvement of the Yakima Municipal
Airport, be passed as read: carried, Brazier, Brown, Kurbitz, Lambert, Larson, Lynch and
Robinson voting aye on roll call. Councilman Brazier stated that he felt that this is
probably the most singularly important piece of legislature of any he has voted on since
being on the City Council, as the improvement of the Yakima Municipal Airport is a necessit .
ORDINANCE NO. $22, AN ORDINANCE providing for the submission to the qualified electors of
• the City of Yakima at a special election to be held therein on September 20, 1966 of a
proposition of whether or not the city should issue its unlimited tax levy general obliga-
tion bonds in the principal amount of $698,000 for the purpose of providing part or all of
the funds to pay the cost of acquiring, constructing and equipping certain capital improve-
ments to the facilities of the municipal airport of the city, and declaring an emergency.
:C:ouncilman Kurbitz excused from the balance of this meeting at 4:00 o'clock P.M.
MOVED by Brown, seconded by Robinson that Resolution No. D -983 requesting the Auditor of
Yakima County to hold a special election on September 20, 1966, to submit to the electors
of Yakima, the matter of "Acquiring, Operating and Subsidizing City Transit ", be passed as
read: carried, Brazier, Brown, Lambert, Larson, Lynch and Robinson voting aye on roll call.
Kurbitz absent.
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RESOLUTION NO. D -983, A RESOLUTION requesting the Auditor of Yakima County, Washington to
hold a special election.
MOVED by Robinson, seconded by Brown that Resolution_No. D -9$4 authorizing the retaining of •
Preston,'Thorgrimson, Horowitz, Starin and Ellis, attorneys, for certain services in
• connection with the issuance and sale of $698,000 general obligation bonds in connection
with the Yakima Municipal Airport improvement, be. passed as read: carried, Brazier, Brown,
Lambert, Larson, Lynch and Robinson voting aye on roll call. Kurbitz absent.
RESOLUTION NO. D- 9$4,.A RESOLUTION of the City Council of the City of Yakima, Washington, .
retaining counsel for certain services in connection with the authorization, issuance and
• sale of $698,000 principal amount•of unlimited tax levy general obligation bonds of the
city.
MOVED by Robinson, seconded by Lambert that Resolution No. D -9$5 appointing Martin A. Fried
•Il line Acting City Manager from August 5, 1966 through August 12, 1966, be passed as read:
.carried, Brazier, Brown, Lambert, Larson, Lynch and Robinson voting aye on roll call. Kur-
bitz absent. City Manager Smith explained that City Attorney Andrews, who usually acts in
• his place when he is gone, will be on vacation at this time, and Jack King, Assistant City
' t.torney lAti11 te)Acting .Cit:y- Attbrney .in :his abseirce. .: .
RESOLUTION NO. D -9$5, A RESOLUTION appointing Martin A. Friedline Acting City Manager.
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MOVED by Robinson, seconded by Lynch that Resolution No. D -9$6 transferring $1,000 within •
• the 1966 Budget for the Engineering. Department for specific travel be passed as
read:- carried, Brazier, Brown, Lambert, Larson, Lynch and Robinson voting aye on roll call. •
Kurbitz absent. City Manager Smith explained that authorization has already been given by
the Council for Dale LeMaster, Traffic Engineer, to attend a seminar with expenses paid,
• and the balance of the transfer of funds will be used for other specific travel expenses.
RESOLUTION NO. D -986, A RESOLUTION transferring the amount of $1,000 within the 1966 Budget
for 124 - Engineering Department. .
Councilman Lynch excused from the balance of this meeting at 4:15 o'clock P.M.
MOVED by Lambert, seconded by Robinson that Resolution No. D -9$7, being a Resolution of
Intention to improve property by constructing a pipe sewer and create a local improvement
district, in accordance•with Petition No. 452, as filed by Henry Ramberg and Others, and
fixing the date of Hearing for August 22, 1966, be passed as read: carried, Brazier, Brown,
Lambert, Larson and Robinson voting aye on roll call. Kurbitz and Lynch absent.
RESOLUTION NO. D -9$7, A RESOLUTION of intention to create a local improvement district.
A Damage Claim in the amount of $160.50, having been filed by Peter T. Paulson, for damages .
caused by a ewer backup, it was MOVED by Robinson, seconded by Brazier that said Damage •
Claim be referred to the City Manager and Staff for study and recommendation: carried,
Brazier, Brown, Lambert, Larson and Robinson voting aye by voice vote. Kurbitz and Lynch
absent.
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Public Works Director, John Mayo, reported on the progress of the work on the Yakima Avenue
Overlay project.
City Manager Smith reported that the Traffic Board is going to make a survey of the timing
of all traffic lights in the City. •
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There being. no further business to come before the Council, it was MOVED by Brazier, secon-
ded by Robinson that we do now adjourn at the hour. of 4:30 P.M.: carried, Brazier, Brown,
Lambert, Larson and Robinson voting aye by voice Kurbitz and Lynch absent.
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