HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/15/2008 04B-4 Minutes 03-26-2008 Council Downtown Yakima Futures Initiative 171a -y
Meeting Minutes
For Downtown Yakima Futures Initiative (DYFI)
Committee of the City Council
March 26, 2008 Meeting
Council Committee Members present: Norm Johnson, Chairman
Kathy Coffey
Rick Ensey
City Staff Members present: Dick Zais
Chris Waarvick
Michael Morales
Brett Sheffield
Bob Degrosellier
Invited Guests: Sean Hawkins, CDY
Don Hinman, Neighborhood Health
• Chairman Johnson opened the meeting with a Phase II project staff report from
Engineering's Brett Sheffield. Brett reported that the Phase II project is in the punchlist
and warranty repair phase and is nearly complete. Brett also reported that subsequent
to this meeting (10:00 a.m.) the Phase III Stakeholders group would be meeting for the
first time.
The City Manager discussed the Downtown Pedestrian Safety and Arterial Street
resurfacing options. An Option was presented which did not affect DYFI Phase III
beginning balances. Dick Zais will call the Department of Social and Health Services
(DSHS) the week of April 1, 2008, to see if they are able to contribute to the N. 16th
Avenue and Hathaway pedestrian crossing.
Chairman Johnson requested a letter drafted for Council signature to Senator King and
Representatives Ross and Skinner requesting DSHS's favorable consideration for a
$100,000 contribution to this project.
Sean Hawkins discussed the canvassing efforts for the new PBIA. He reported that at
this time he has signatures totally 20% of the assessed value in the affirmative. He is
focusing on information and benefits. Some of the Downtown owners are difficult to
get a hold of because they live out of town.
•
Don Hinman then spoke to the issue of "non- profits" receiving a waiver to these
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assessments. He outlined the activities of the non - profits in the Downtown and
discussed their economic impact.
James Carmody spoke on behalf of other non - profits in the Business Improvement
District making the same request for waiver of fees. Sean Hawkins responded by
observing the Business Improvement District assessments are already giving a 40%
discount to non - profits similar to Spokane. He mentioned that other non - profits within
the area are offering to join. The First Presbyterian Church, the Library, Comprehensive
Mental Health, the YMCA and the Yakima Valley Museum are all willing to consider
participation. The assessment for Neighborhood Health is $1,400 per year. The
Committee requested Sean Hawkins bring a list of all the assessments for the next
meeting.
Mike Morrisette spoke in favor of the new PBIA/BID concept and suggested that non-
profits find a way to contribute fairly.
Council Committee Member Coffey asked when the critical date would be for CDY's
inability to continue maintenance efforts due to lack of funding. Sean responded that
mid- August 2008 appeared to be the critical time.
Finally, the Committee engaged in discussion over improving N. 1st Street's appearance
and safety.
Mike Morrisette spoke to the matter and recognized the Committee's important
contribution to highlighting the concerns brought by a number of N. 1st Street
businesses, including, but not limited to, abandoned signs and buildings, weeds in the
right -of -way and on private property, prostitution and derelicts, burned -out street
lights, street and sidewalk clean up, the east /west train tracks, and the streetscape in
general.
Joe Caruso discussed options for Code Enforcement and coordination. He further
commented that the current abandoned building ordinance has no timeframe for a
building in that condition. Joe was asked to bring back a draft ordinance amendment
relating to timeframes for abandoned buildings.
Mike Morrisette discussed improvement to N. 1st Street would be a partnership of
business and local government investment and reasonable enforcement. Councilman
0 Ensey expressed concern over a timeframe for abandoned buildings and property
rights.
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Meeting Minutes I YFI Mare 26 2008.6436
• Council Committee Member Kathy Coffey and Chairman Johnson gave an overview of
their meeting with John Gasperetti. John Gasperetti discussed his concerns about N. 151
Street.
The meeting then adjourned.
Approved:
. _-
Norm Jo ••b.on, Chairman
DYFI Committee of Council
•
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Meeting Minutes DYF1 March 26 20013 doe