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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/27/1967 Business Meeting 35`? . NOVEMBER 27, 1967 The Council met in regular session, Mayor Larson presiding. Councilmen Brown, Keith, Kurbitz, Lambert, Larson, McNeice,.and. Robinson, City Manager McMicken and City Attorney Fred Andrews present on 'roll call. The Invocation was given by Councilman Keith. The minutes of the regular meeting of November 20, 1967, 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 hearing on the proposed Railroad Grade Separation Plan (as recommended by the Planning Commission), Mayor Larson called upon City Manager McMicken for a report on the background of this project. Mr. McMicken stated that about a month ago Mayor Larson and Director of Public Works Mayo returned from a meeting in Olympia and reported that if the City were to act fast possibly it would be eligible for some financ- ing for grade separation projects. A schedule of meetings was set up, trying to compress about six months of engineering and planning into a few weeks. There was a joint City Council and Planning Commission meeting, a meeting with downtown planners who have been instrumental in the Central Business District plan, and meetings with the consulting engineers who provided the traffic engineering work on the CBD plan, and who, incidentally, concur with the recommendation of the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission met last week and, after a public hearing, took action. Public Works Director Mayo has met with the two railroads involved and interested property owners. The Traffic Advisory Board met this morning and reviewed the plans and alternate proposals, and concurred with the consensus of the Planning Commission. Acting Planning Director Loidhamer presented the four alternate programs studied by the Planning Commission, Traffic Advisory Board, and the City Council for railroad grade separations: Plan "A, 4 -lane, two- -way grade separations at Yakima Avenue and Lincoln Avenue; Plan "B ", 4 -lane, two- -way grade.separa -- tions at Yakima Avenue and Lincoln Avenue, the existing undercrossing at Walnut Street, and closing of B Street; Plan "C ", traffic pattern suggested in the Central Business Dis- trict plan, a grade separation on B Street, with Lincoln Avenue and Yakima Avenue remain- ing as they are today; Plan "D ", three -lane overcrossings at B Street and Lincoln Avenue, one -way eastbound on B Street and one -way westbound on Lincoln, with connection to Summitview from both, as No. 1 priority; with an underpass at Yakima Avenue as No. 2 priority. The Planning Commission recommended Plan "D ". Public Works Director John Mayo presented maps showing the four plans. Plan "D" was favored because it provided no at grade crossings in the streets now normally used for access into the Central Business District, which impeded movement of trains and vehicles in the area; and would remove accident potentials.as well_as. the delays in traffic which all have experienced on Lincoln and Yakima Avenues. The structure on Lincoln Avenue would cross over Front Street and the railroad tracks and 2nd Avenue and would come to grade so that there would be a full intersection at 3rd Avenue. The same would be true on B Street, except that traffic would be in the opposite direction. Traffic would be funneled from both Lincoln and Summitview Avenues. The structure at Yakima Avenue would be an undercrossing, with a full intersec- tion at 1st Street and again at 1st Avenue. There would be no intersection at Front II Street and Yakima Avenue. Frontage roads would be provided on both sides of Yakima Avenue to give access to these areas. The Yakima Avenue structure would provide one lane at grade remaining on the north side of Yakima Avenue to provide a truck route into the fruit row area, bypassing the structure, continuing on across and up North 1st Avenue. This plan would accommodate the superblocks when they come into being and also accommodates the existing patterns of traffic. Mr. Mayo explained that the gasoline tax is allocated by the Urban Arterial Board on a quarterly basis, and to be eligible for the money available in the last quarter the application must be presented by December 1. The money is not allocated on a per capita,or:_mileage basis, but on a priority basis, and applications are considered in the order in which they are received and by the need, as demonstrated by. traffic counts, congestion, etc. There is no assurance that the City will get the money, but if the City doesn't make application it wouldn't even be considered. He explained the traffic flow as planned and as illustrated on the traffic flow map. He stated there would be frontage roads on each side of the two structures in B Street and Lincoln. Avenue. No movement is contemplated across the railroad tracks at grade. 1st and 2nd Avenues would still be open to traffic movement. There would be a transition from one -way to two -way traffic on Lincoln and B at 5th Avenue. Mayor Larson read protests from Helliesen Lumber & Supply Co., Inc.; L. P. Michelsen Co., Inc.; and United Supply Co.; and opened the hearing - for public discussion by stating that is an effort on the part of the City officials to build some grade separations between the western and eastern portions of the City, which have been needed for a long time. The proposal might affect some people adversely and again may be very good for the businesses involved. Harold Helliesen was present and inquired regarding where the traffic from Lincoln Avenue and B Street is going to go. He stated that previously it had been recommended that the traffic should go farther north and that grade separations should be north of Lincoln Avenue. Mr. Mayo gave . traffic flow figures: Yakima Avenue, 22,000; B Street, 2,500; Lincoln Avenue, 12,000; Walnut Street, 18,000. He said this is all traffic that is going to or from the Central Business District and would still want to cross at one of these streets, rather than farther north. He stated the Planning Commission is interested in reducing the traffic on Yakima Avenue to eliminate the existing bottleneck at Yakima Avenue and 1st Street; that Yakima Avenue would be reduced to a business street, rather than an arterial, and traffic would use it as access to parking; the traffic volumes now on Yakima Avenue would be partially diverted up to B Street. Traffic from B Street would turn at 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or Naches Avenue and blend into the downtown area at the nearest access. Fred Velikanje, represent- ing the General Paper Company, protested the proposed down ramp at that location; stating their only loading facilities are off Lincoln Avenue and that this company couldn't con- tinue to exist because the trucks could not maneuver under the down ramps. Mr. Mayo stated the trucks would still have access along the side and could be accommodated through modification of their loading ramps or through the maneuvering of the trucks; stating that III it is impossible to build any structure without inconveniencing some location. C. W. Halverson, Fred Palmer, Fred Velikanje, Herbert Frank, Mr. Lovering, Mr. Bissell, Mr. Wonder, and Councilman Kurbitz spoke in favor of underpasses at Lincoln Avenue and B Street,some favoring a tunnel, even though it would increase the expense. Mr. Halverson suggested that an underpass similar to the one in Walnut Street could be built; that an overpass is contrary to the present trend of all major cities in their present development as they are constructing underpasses in far greater numbers than they are overpasses, and an underpass certainly will help to maintain the esthetic view of our city and avoid lowering property values. Some stated that the increased cost of an'overpass due to damages to abutting property might balance the extra cost of underpass construction. Some , questioned the need for rushing the application. Mr. Palmer, representing Economy Fuel Co., Lovering Tire Company, and the Safeway Store at Lincoln Avenue and Front Street, • 358 • NOVEMBER 27,.. 1967 . stated that they recognized the necessity for grade separations at several locations;. however, he felt overpasses would be unsightly and that the'esthetic value should be don- . sidered, as well as the cost; that the overpass on Lincoln Avenue would place the abuttinc owners at a disadvantage and would blight the properties on both sides of the tracks; in fact would kill the. Economy Fuel Co., Safeway and Lovering Tire locations; that the . III underpass would involve only minimal damages, whereas an overpass will cause damages of at least a.half million - dollars. Lloyd Dahlin questioned Mr. Mayo regarding the property between 2nd and 3rd Avenues and B Street and Lincoln Avenue. Mt. .Lovering stated he felt the City should look at the project from the standpoint.of a long range plan, ignoring the cost, considering it on the basis of twenty -five years from now. • In answer to inquiries regarding comparative costs, between an underpass at Lincoln Avenue and at B Street and the one proposed at Yakima Avenue, Mr. Mayo stated that the extra cost. is due to the fact that the underpass would be about twice as long because of the number of tracks in these two streets, the extra cost of relocating utilities, since there are storm drains, sewer connections from packing houses, etc., which are very expensive to move,.°the extra cost of modifying the railroad tracks to provide service to the railroad during construction, etc., the necessity for going back farther in order to provide a proper grade for .entranc- into the undercrossing and still provide sufficient depth to accommodate high trucks. He • also pointed out that unless a tunnel is used the abutting businesses would not have the • • use of the streets, and a tunnel would add a great deal to the cost. Mayor Larson stated that the prospectus would be for grade separations, not for an overpass or an underpass, • 1 and that studies can made of underpasses and the plan amended if is found they are • practicable; that every consideration will be given to the businesses both on fruit row • \\/ and on B Street and Lincoln Avenue; but that it.;is important to make the application now for the funds available in the last quarter for the region in which Yakima is located,so that these funds might be used in the next three or four years. He said the prospectus -- could be altered later and that conferences. will be held with the property owners prior • to any final . decision, should the project be approved. Councilmen Robinson, Lambert, Brown, and Keith also spoke in favor of the proposed plan, assuring those present that further consideration could be given to underpasses but stressing' the importarc.e of action • . "now on an application in order to meet the deadline. All persons present having been heard both for an against, it was MOVED by Lambert, seconded by Brown, that the•City • Council approve .the submittal of a prospectus calling for grade separati ns at B Street and Lincoln Avenue, and at Yakima Avenue: carried, Brown, Keith, Kurbita� McNeic =,. and Robinson voting aye by voice vote. Councilman Kurbitz, in casting his vote, stated he would favor four -lane, rather than three -lane, overpasses. This being the time fixed for the hearing on the appeal from the Planning Commission's decision on Petition No. 560, filed by Wallace R. and Dorothy Klingele, requesting rezone . of property located at 2906 West Nob Hill Blvd., it was MOVED by Lambert; seconded by McNeice, that Resolution No. D:= 1144, affirming the action of the Planning Commission in denying the application of Wallace R. and Dorothy Klingele, be passed'as read. Mr. Fred • Velikanje, representing Wallace R. Klingele, being. present, made . a statement supporting Mr. Klingele's appeal, stating that this business was in operation when the property was brought into the City; that the application for a rezone was the result of Mr. Klingele's application for a building permit for a garage to use as a showroom, at which time the Building Inspector pointed out that such construction was not a proper use under the zoning code. Mr. Klingele was allowed to finish the building. Mr. Velikanje further stated that the business was adjacent to a dry cleaning establishment, and listed other businesses in the vicinity. He stated that only one objection has been filed; that there is no residential area built up in this location; and that Mr. Klingele'is only asking • for the right and privilege of doing what he has already been doing and to do it in an orderly manner. Miss Wetzel, 3030 West Nob. Hill, being present, stated that at the time . they were taken into the City Mr. Klingele was told he would be allowed to operate his • business, and-was assured.that;,it,coUld be zoned for business. Councilman Lambert pointe• out that almost all of'the property along the south side of Nob Hill in the vicinity of 40th Avenue is in the County and the City has no control over the zoning; and•stated•that • the Council or Planning Commission .or City officials cannot make commitments in advance • regarding zoning and do not do so; that each application must be considered on its merits at the•time it is presented. She stated she is not in favor of expanding the business zoning. There is good residential area in the vicinity.. Mr. Stock, a neighbor of Mr. Klingele, was present and stated that it is evident this business.is going to expand and. if the rezone is.granted the activities will increase. He suggested that there are other areas already zoned for business'where he could operate better than out of his home. Councilman Robinson stated he opposed expanding business uses when it results in strip • development; that this proposal is an expansion of a business and a change in the type of business that strip development reduces the efficiency of the arterial; and that he woul• not favor'a rezone to business in this area. Councilman Kurbitz stated that what is non - conforming along the street are the houses; that there is already strip zoning in this area. Councilman McNeice asked what Mr. Klingele's plans for the future are. Mr. • Klingele stated he hopes to move the shop away from the back and join it to .the garage out in front and improve the parking area in front. All persons present having been heard, Mayor Larson called for a vote on the motion: carried, Brown, Keith, Lambert, Larson, McNeice, and Robinson voting aye on roll call. Kurbitz voting nay. Councilman Keith stated that he was in sympathy with Mr. Klingele's position but he had a responsi- lility to follow the expert advice of the Planning Commission and would vote aye. Councilman Kurbitz stated he would like to go along with the Planning Commission but was voting no. Councilman McNeice stated he has been confronted with this type of situation himself and had to seek the proper place to conduct business, and he has been successful in an area zoned properly for the type of business that should be conducted; that he felt very strongly that this should be done and that there is a place for business to be con- ducted and a place for residence. . RESOLUTION NO. D- 1144, "A RESOLUTION affirming the action of the Planning Commission in denying the application of Wallace R. and Dorothy Klingele to rezone property situated at 2906 West Nob Hill Boulevard,. in the City of Yakima, Washington, from R -a, Two Family • Zone, to B -2, Local Business Zone. This being the time fixed for the hearing on Petition No. 561, filed by Frigid Fruit Company, Inc., requesting rezone of property situated at 1710 South 16th Avenue, it was. MOVED by Brown, seconded by Robinson, that Ordinance No. 977 accepting the Planning Com- mission's decision and rezoning said property,.be passed as read: carried, Brown, Keith, . Kurbitz, Lambert, Larson, McNeice, and Robinson"voting aye on roll call. Acting Planning Director Loidhamer stated that the property is directly south" of the Marine Corps Trainin• Center; the property is vacant and the owner is requesting rezone to R -4 which would allow him to develop a commercial greenhouse; and that this request would follow the intent of the General Plan. • ■ 359 NOVEMBER 27, 1967 • ORDINANCE NO. 977, AN ORDINANCE accepting the recommendation of the Planning Commission and rezoning certain property situated at 1710 South 16th Avenue, in the City of Yakima, Washington, from R -2, Two Family Zone, to R -4, Suburban Residence Zone. This being the time fixed for the hearing on the Assessment Roll for L.I.D. No. 953, South 19th Avenue and Other Streets, it was MOVED by Robinson, seconded by Lambert, that Ordinance No. 978, confirming all and every part of the Assessment Roll for L.I.D. No. 953, be passed as read: carried, Brown, Keith, Kurbitz, Lambert, Larson, McNeice, and Robinson voting aye on roll call. Councilman Lambert inquired regarding the higher costs, and Mr. Mayo explained that the extra cost was due to the unit cost of excavation being higher than previous costs had been. One protest filed by Golda Ellsworth, :L104 South 19th Avenue, was read, protesting the way the work was done. Mr. Mayo stated he would check the slope to see if the protest can be taken care of. ORDINANCE NO. 978, AN ORDINANCE confirming the assessment roll covering Local Improvement District No. 953 as created and established by Ordinance Nos. 802 and 8.11 of the Ordinances of the City of Yakima. Petition No. 563, having been filed with the City Clerk on November 22, 1967, by M. H. Benjamin, Cabana Motor Hotel, Inc., for annexation of property located at 1900 North 1st Street, it was MOVED by Robinson, seconded by Lambert, that the Petition for Annexation filed by Cabana Motor Hotel, Inc., being Petition No. 563, be approved as meeting the requirements of law; that said Petition be referred to the City Manager and Planning Com- mission for ;study and recommendation; that the Mayor be authorized to convene a Review Board, as required by law, for a _hearing and review of this proposed annexation; and that January 8, 1968, be set as the date for a public hearing by the City Council on this Peti- tion: carried, Brown, Keith, Kurbitz, Lambert, Larson, McNeice, and Robinson voting aye by voice vote. It was MOVED by Lambert, seconded by Keith, that Ordinance No. 979 amending the six year comprehensive street program to include grade separations at B Street and C Street and Yakima Avenue, be passed as read: carried, Brown, Keith, Kurbitz, Lambert, Larson, McNeice, and Robinson voting aye on roll call. Public Works Director Mayo explained the ordinance deletes the 1967 projects, adds 2 grade separations on B Street and Lincoln Avenue for 1968; leaves 1969 as proposed, a grade separation added to the 1970 program; 1971 as proposed, and 1972 amended by removing the project at 56th Avenue and Lincoln Avenue, which project is brought up and added to the 1968 program, part of which can be done through the L.I.D. process. . ORDINANCE NO. 979, AN ORDINANCE adopting a six year comprehensive street program for the City of Yakima; and amending Section 8.10.010 and Section 8.10.020 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. It was MOVED by Robinson, seconded by McNeice, that Ordinance No. 980, relating to classification and compensation plan, and amending the Yakima Municipal Code, be passed as read: carried, Brown, Keith, Kurbitz, Lambert, Larson, McNeice, and Robinson voting aye on roll call. ORDINANCE NO. 980, AN ORDINANCE relating to City personnel; authorizing a clothing allowance for non - uniformed police officers; designating job classifications and salary ranges for certain City positions; establishing the length of the work day and work week for transit department employees; and amending Subsection 2.20.088(a), Section 2.20.100 and Subsection 2.40.090B of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. It was MOVED by Lambert, seconded by McNeice, that Ordinance No. 981, declaring the intention of the City Council to organize and operate a Traffic School in conjunction with Yakima County, be passed as read: carried, Brown, Keith, Kurbitz, Lambert, Larson, McNeice, and Robinson voting aye on roll call. ORDINANCE NO. 981, AN ORDINANCE• declaring the intention of the City Council of the City of Yakima to organize and operate a Traffic School in conjunction with the County of Yakima. It was MOVED by Brown, seconded by Lambert, that Resolution No. D -1145, authorizing the execution of agreements with Yakima County and participation in the improvement of 16th Avenue between Lincoln Avenue and River Road and between Mead Avenue and Washington Ave- nue, be passed as read: carried, Brown., Keith, Kurbitz, Lambert, Larson, McNeice, and ' Robinson voting aye on roll call. Public Works Director Mayo explained that the City will do the southerly portion of the work and the County will do the portion from Lincoln Avenue north. RESOLUTION NO. D -1145, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the Mayor and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute agreements with Yakima County relating to the improve- ment of 16th Avenue. . It was MOVED by Brown, seconded by McNeice, that Resolution No. D -1146 transferring $2,164 within the 1967 Budget for 107,' Civil Defense, be passed as read: carried, Brown, Keith, Kurbitz, Lambert, Larson, McNeice, and Robinson voting aye on roll call. City Manager McMicken stated this appropriation is needed to replace the car now in use by the Juvenile Department during the day and the Auxiliary Police in the evening. RESOLUTION NO. D -1146, A RESOLUTION transferring the amount of $2,164.00 within the 1967 Ilr Budget for 107, Civil Defense. It was MOVED by Keith, seconded by Robinson, that Resolution No. D -1147, authorizing hiring of labor and purchase of materials without calling for bids to repair National Cash Register billing machine in the Water Department, be passed as read: carried, Brown, Keith, Kurbitz, Lambert, Larson, McNeice, and Robinson voting aye on roll call. City Utilities Director Stein explained that this is a stop -gap repair to a machine pur- chased in 1956 until the matter of data processing can be investigated. RESOLUTION NO. D -1147, A RESOLUTION authorizing the purchase of materials and hiring of labor without calling for bids. 360 .. NOVEMBER 27, 1967 . A Damage Claim having been filed with the City Clerk on.November 21, 1967, by The Stone Church, North 4th and A Street, in the amount of $39.19 for damage due to a crushed sewer line, it was MOVED by McNeice, seconded by Lambert, that said 'damage claim be referred to the City Manager and Staff for study and recommendation: carried, Brown, Keith, Kurbitz, Lambert, Larson, McNeice, and Robinson voting aye by voice vote. City Manager McMicken asked for information on City Council meeting on December 26. It was decided there will be no meeting on the 26th of December. There being no further business to come before the Council, it was MOVED by Kurbitz, seconded by McNeice, that we do now adjourn at the hour of 6:15 P.M.: carried, Brown, Keith, Kurbitz, Lambert, Larson, McNeice, and Robinson voting aye by voice vote. • READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY / 614 Q� DAT E �� O CI N 1 4 1 �`. • DATE /2- i f COUNCILMAN (IP ATTEST • / I/ C I T Y C L E R K M A Y O R • • • • • •