Loading...
2002 04 09MOSES LAKE CITY COUNCIL April 9,2002 5831 Council Present:Lee Blackwell,Larry Tracy,Steve Shinn,Brent Reese,Chris Blessing,Ron Covey and Richard Pearce APPROVAL OF BILLS.CHECKS.AND PREPAID CLAIMS Action Taken:Mr.Shinn moved that the bills,checks,and prepaid claims issued be approved,seconded by Mr.Blessing,and passed unanimously. Vouchers audited and certified by the Finance Director as required by RCW 42.24.080,and those expense reimbursement claims certified as required by RCW 42.24.090,have been recorded on a listing which has been made available to the City Council. U Claims:The vouchers included on the below list as modified by the Council and noted upon said list for the Council meeting of March 26,2002 forthe funds listed below are approved in the amount of $476,116.89. GENERAL FUND $53,274.04 SANITATION FUND 72,007.75 STREET 50,830.86 AIRPORT 284.87 EQUIPMENT LEASES 2,229.55 AMBULANCE SERVICE FUND 2,656.86 CAPITAL 7,183.66 AMBULANCE DEBT SERVICE 614.26 PARK &REC IMPROVEMENT 8,162.08 SELF INSURANCE 55.59 WATER/SEWER 33,080.23 CENTRAL SERVICES 13,941.91 1996 BOND REDEM.FUND 62,830.00 EQUIPMENT RENTAL 22,813.75 W/S CONSTRUCTION 87,397.37 BUILDING MAINTENANCE 57,49105 WATER/SEWER LEASES 1,022.64 FIREMANS PENSION 240.42 TOTAL $476,116.89 Prepaid Claims:Prepaid claimsapprovedbythe City Manager according tothe processestablishedbyMosesLakeMunicipalCode3.42.030 and theinternal control policy approved bytheCity Council hasbeen recorded on a listingwhich has been made available to the CityCouncil.The claims listed below are approved inthe amount of$851.96 forall funds. GENERAL FUND $33.33 AIRPORT 808.50 WATER/SEWER 10.13 TOTAL $851.96 Prepaid Claims:Prepaid claimsapprovedbytheCityManager according tothe processestablishedbyMoses Lake Municipal Code 3.42.030 and the internal control policy approved bytheCity Council hasbeenrecorded on a listing which has been made availableto the City Council.The claims listedbelow are approved inthe amount of$18,226.80 forall funds. GENERAL FUND $867.54 AMBULANCE SERVICE FUND 578.85 EQUIPMENT LEASES 1,805.79 CENTRAL SERVICES 509.70 WATER/SEWER 45.81 EQUIPMENT RENTAL 13,556.26 WATER/SEWER LEASES 839.19 BUILDING MAINTENANCE 23.66 TOTAL $18,226.80 I )ClaimChecks:Checks 13792through 13968 issued on March 25, 2002 through March 29,2002 were ap-^^proved for payment atthe Council meeting held on April 9,2002 in the total amount of $696,536.86. Payroll:The payroll issued on March 29,2002 havingbeen approved pursuantto the ruleofthe CityCouncil set forth in Moses Lake Municipal Code 3.42.040,was paid by checks 24986 through 25168 in the total amount of$57,826.31. Payroll:The payroll issued on March 29.2002 havingbeen approved pursuanttothe rule ofthe CityCouncil set forth in Moses Lake Municipal Code 3.42.040,was paid by checks 25169 through 25175 in the total amount of$1,883.28. EMPLOYEE PRESENTATIONS -None CONSENT AGENDA Resolution -Accept Donation -Japan Airlines:A resolution was presented which accepts adonation of /O /(-f $2,000 from Japan Airlines.The funds areto be used inthe Parksand Recreation Department. AcceptWork -Building Demolition Project: Larson's Demolitionhas completedwork on the demolition ofthe Soil Conservation building,the old Fire station,ahouseandshed at314S.Balsam Street,anda houseandgarageat401 S.Alder Street. The workshould be acceptedandthe45-day lien period entered into. ActionTaken:Mr.Pearce movedthatthe ConsentAgenda be approved,seconded by Mr.Reese,and passed unanimously. CONSIDERATION OF BIDS -None PETITIONS.COMMUNICATIONS.OR PUBLIC HEARINGS LAKESIDE DISPOSAL CONTRACT AMENDMENT/SPRING CLEANUP Lakeside Disposal requested permission to begin garbage pickup an hour earlier than scheduled for in the -rl contract normal because of the change in the hours at the landfill.Lakeside requestedthat commercial JO<J<ris)garbage pickup begin at 5a.m.and residential garbage pickup begin at 6a.m. Bob Bernd,Lakeside Disposal,statedthat property owners will be notified in advanceofthechange in the times of pickup by notes on the cans,radio spots, and newspaper ads. Mr.Shinn suggested thatthe city include something in thecity's billings about thechange in pick uptime and also about Spring Cleanup. Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,stated thatnotice about the change in garbage pick uptimescanbeincludedon the existing bill without extra cost to the city.A contract amendment would be required to accommodate the change in pick up times. Action Taken:Mr.Peace moved that an amendment to the contract with Lakeside Disposal be drafted andbroughtbacktotheCouncilatthenextmeeting,seconded by Dr.Covey,and passed unanimously. /OlP /00 7 o -It /0J7 /oyo 5832 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: 2 April 9,2002 LakesideDisposal hasofferedto participate with thecityinthe annual Spring Clean-Up.Lakesidewill provide curbside service on April 20, 27, and May 4. Lakeside would bill the city forthe actual time incurred bypersonnelandequipment.Promotion costs lastyearwere about $1,000 and Lakeside requested the city increase its participation to $600. Dr.Covey pointedoutthatthe pickup days forthe routes have changed and residents should be made aware ofthe pick up days for their areas. ActionTaken:Mr.Tracy moved thatthe city participate inthe SpringClean Upandthat the cityspend upto $600 for promotional costs for the program,seconded by Mr.Shinn, and passed unanimously. MCCOSH PARK -REQUEST TO USE The Rotary Club requested permission to provide beer during their picnic on May 4 in McCosh Park.(\ Action Taken:Mr.Tracy moved that the RotaryClubbe allowedto serve beer in McCosh Parkon May4, seconded by Mr.Shinn, and passed unanimously. '#3^MONTLAKE PARK -REQUEST TO USE National Frozen Foodsrequested permissionto provide beer during theirannualcompany picnic at Montlake Park on May 3 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Action Taken:Mr.Shinn moved that National Frozen Foods be allowed to serve beer in Montlake Park on May 3,seconded by Mr.Reese,and passed unanimously. There was some discussion bythe Council on delegatingthe authority to approve requests for alcoholincity parks to staff. No action was taken by the Council. RUSSELL HOTEL -WASHINGTON RURAL DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND -PUBLIC HEARING Russell Hotel, Inc.is seeking a $405,000 loan from theWashington Rural Development Loan Fund.This loancannotbegivendirectlytoRussellHotel,it mustbe receipted bytheCity of Moses Lake and then passed on to Russell Hotel,Inc. Mr.Tracy wanted to know ifthe city would haveanyobligations connected with the loan and wasconcerned about the issue of extending publiccredit for privatebenefit. Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,pointed outthatoncethe funds are passed on all responsibility belongstotheWashingtonRuralLoanFund.The issueof lending of credit iscovered byan exception that providesforthistypeofloan.He pointed outthatthisis nota new program in the stateandthe details for this loan have been worked out through the state auditor's office. The public hearing was opened. Dick Oland,Washington Rural Development Loan Fund,statedthatthe state will givethe moneytothe city which in turn willloan itto Russell Hotel.The Russell Hotel pays itback to the state.There is no liability to the city. ActionTaken:Dr.Covey moved that the publichearing be closed,seconded by Mr.Blessing, and passed unanimously. Mr.Oland gave some additional explanation ofthe program and pointed outthatthere isno liability tothe city.The Washington Rural Development Loan Fund does all the paperwork and all the regulating.Because itis federal funds,thereisa requirement thatthe fundsbe passed through a public entityprior to beinggivento a private enterprise. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS ORDINANCE -PARKING REGULATIONS -1st READING An ordinance was presented which provides a loading zone on Chestnut Street for the Chestnut Grove Retirement Apartments. TheordinanceamendingChapter 10.12of the Moses Lake MunicipalCodeentitled "Parking Regulations"was read by title only. Action Taken:Dr.Coveymovedthatthe first reading ofthe ordinance beadopted,seconded byMr.Blessing, and passed unanimously. RESOLUTION -AMEND CONTRACT AND RELEASE OF COVENANT -BUREAU OF RECLAMATION A resolution was presented which accepts an Amendmentto theContract and Release ofCovenant between the city and the United States Department of the Interior,Bureau of Reclamation,Columbia Basin Project. The amendment provides that the property referenced in the 1998 contract will be used for municipal and related purposes to the benefit of the general public and authorizes the City Manager to execute the amendment. The amendment also eliminatesthe requirementthat the cityimprovethe property within a —^ specific period of time.(] The resolution accepting anamendmentto Contract and Releaseof Covenant and authorizing execution fo ~" the amendment was read be title only. Mr.Tracy requested that in order tocreatea proper paper trail,the Auditor's File Number ofthe previousdocument andthe specific provisions beingreleased be included inthisone. Dr.Covey pointed out that with this releasethe only restrictions on the property is that ifitis notused for municipal purposes fora periodof 12 months,the city will have to make payment to the federal government. Action Taken:Mr.Shinn moved that the resolution be adopted and the Contract and Release of Covenant be amended toincludethe Auditor's File Number ofthe previouslyrecorded release,seconded by Mr.Pearce, and passed unanimously. n u 5833 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:3 April 9,2002 REQUESTS TO CALL FOR BIDS TOP MOUNT PUMPER FIRE TRUCK Staffrequested authorization to call for bids for a top mount pumper fire truck./£)/J Joseph K.Gavinski, City Manager,mentioned that this is a replacement engine not an additional engine. Mr.Blessing pointed outthatthecity purchased the same typeoftrucklastyeartoservicetheWheeler Roadareaand ifthe cityis not going to be responsible for the Wheeler Road area,the city would not need this replacement engine. Mr.Gavinski mentioned that the truck is needed whether or not the city is still responsible forthe Wheeler Corridorarea.The funds from the Wheeler Corridorwere going to be used to help pay forthe truck. Mr.Reese pointed out that, forthe present anyway, the Wheeler Corridor is still the responsibilityof the city. Action Taken:Mr.Pearce movedthat staffbeauthorized to callforbids,seconded by Dr.Covey,and passed with Mr Blessing opposed. //// //(*& LARSON PLAYFIELD LIGHTING MATERIAL PROJECT Staff requested authorization to call forbids forthe lighting material forthe four remaining poles for Field M at Larson Playfield. Action Taken:Mr.Tracy moved that staff be authorized to call forbids,seconded by Dr.Covey,and passed unanimously. LARSON WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT Staff requested authorizationto callforbids to replace approximately 5,700 feet of water main and the repairofsewermains along portionsofArnold Drive,CraigBoulevard,Shaw Loop, Larson Boulevard,and Arlington Drive. Gary G.Harer,Municipal Services Director,stated that,with this project,the city will replace the entire street, instead ofjust doing patch work,andthe county will reimburse the city for half the work. Action Taken:Mr.Shinn moved that staff be authorized to call for bids,seconded by Mr.Tracy,and passed unanimously. PAUL LAUZIER ATHLETIC PLAYFIELD/WELL 9 -HARD SURFACING PROJECT Staff requested authorization to call for bids for the surface paving at Paul Lauzier Athletic Playfield and around Well 9. Gary Harer,Municipal Services Director,distributed a memo showing the completed and proposed (i improvements tothe Paul Lauzier Athletic Playfield using the $900,000 grant.He mentioned thatthe bid on ^—'the concession building will determine howmuchofthe asphaltcould be done. Mr.Shinn felt it would be better to change the bid date on the asphalt to a week later than the one on the concession building to give the Council some time to discuss the bids on the concession building and to determine how much can be spent on the asphaltproject.Hewas also concerned aboutthe amount of asphalt being proposed.He felt that it should be softened up. Mr.Pearce suggested thatthe asphalt areas and the parkinglotbe dividedby plantingsto prevent people from driving or parking on the asphalt area. Jerry Thaut,Parks and Recreation Director,statedthatthe asphaltareaat Field #5 along the first base side and the asphalt area at Field #4 along the third base side willbe used for future batting cages.He felt theconcession stand, maintenance room,and restrooms area higherpriority thanthe batting cage asphaltarea and, ifnecessary,itcould be eliminated.The asphalt areas between the parking lotand the fields willbe used for the location of the bleachers. Mr.Blessing wanted to know if equipment for the concession stand is included in the estimated cost of $390,000. Mr.Thautstatedthata portion oftheequipmentisincluded inthatamount.The product provider will provide the equipment to use with their product. Mr.Gavinski pointed outthatanyequipment needed bythe building butnot provided bythe product supplier is included inthe $390,000, such as the hood. Mr.Thaut mentioned that the city may have to purchase some refrigerators or freezers to equip this concession stand. Mr.Pearce suggested that the city not go to bid on the asphalt until the bids on the concession stand are considered. u There was some discussion by the Council. Itwas the consensus of the Council that bidding on this project be postponed untilafter bids are received on the concession stand. REFERRALS FROM COMMISSIONS REQUEST TO USE MOSES LAKE COMMUNITY PARK -BOAT RACES The Seattle Outboard Association has requested the use of Moses Lake Community Park for boat races on May 11 and 12,2002.This would entail the closure of the boat launch from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.each day.They also requested that tent camping be allowed in a designated area.The Parks and Recreation Commission recommended that the request be approved. John Pierson,Seattle Outboard Association,stated they would like to hold the race on May 11 and 12.He mentioned that they also hold races at Cascade Park in the fall but wanted to do something in the spring. Mr.Reese was concerned about closing the I-90 bridge to boat traffic during this event. //OS //3l l/il 5834 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:4 April 9,2002 Mr.Piersonstated that itwouldonlybe closed during the running ofthe races. The race will be close to the bridge and near the shoreline to allow other boats to use this part of the lake. He mentioned that the Grant County Sheriffs Office will patrol this area to help provide boat traffic control. Mr.Pearce pointed out that they also wish to have overnight camping in the park and wanted to know how that would affect commercial camping grounds in the area. JerryThaut, Parks and Recreation Director,stated that an area of the parkwould be designated forcamping and the city would charge the same amount as fortent camping at Cascade Park. Mr.Pierson mentioned that there will be about 150 race entries.There will be approximately 20 tents and about 15 RVs.Many people will stay in the area motels. Mr.Shinn mentioned that people living above Cascade Parkwouldliketo eliminatethe races inthat area.f] Action Taken:Mr.Tracy moved that the request to use the Community Park forboat races on May 11 and 12 be granted and that overnight camping be allowed,seconded by Mr.Reese,and passed unanimously. REQUEST TO USE CASCADE PARK -BOAT RACES Northwest WaterCompetition, adivisionofthe American Outboard Federation,requested the useof CascadeParkforoutboardboat races to be held on September 21 and 22, 2002. The Parks and Recreation Commission recommended that the request be approved. Jerry Thaut,Parks andRecreation Director,pointed outthatin 2001 severalpeoplecomplained abouttheboat races inCascade Park. He mentioned thatthe Council has limited the numberofracesto be held in Cascade Park to three. Roy Mackey,Director of Northwest Water Competition, pointedout thatthis isa nationalrace. Itisa 3/4 mile ovalcourse. He pointed out that the proceeds from the races on Sunday, about $700, were given to theMuscularDystrophyAssociation.In 2001 therewere93 boats,78 drivers,428crewand family members.There were people from Ohio,Florida,Connecticut,Missouri,Texas,California,Oregon,Idaho,andWashingtoninattendance.Also,a promotional video tapewas madeofthe racesin Moses Lake andwas sent to the 18 affiliated clubs. Action Taken:Mr.Pearce moved that the request to use Cascade Park forboat races on September 21 and 22 be granted,seconded by Mr.Tracy, and passed unanimously. REQUEST TO USE CASCADE PARK -BOAT RACES FraserVallev Drag BoatAssociation requested the use of Cascade Parkforoutboardboat races to be held on August 3 and 4, 2002. The Parks and Recreation Commission recommended that the request be approved. Action Taken:Mr.Tracy moved thatthe request touse Cascade Park for boat races onAugust 3 and 4 be granted,seconded by Mr.Blessing,and passed unanimously. LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE -VISION 2002 The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee met on April 8 to discuss the use of hotel/motel money to fund consulting services fora downtown rehabilitation/renewal program. Dr.Covey,Chairman of the Committee,statedthatthe Committee heardthree requests for funds. A letter was read from Dr.Coveywhich stated that the Committee recommended that $500 be given to Bill Walton forthe Moses Lake KiteFestival to be held on April 27 and 28 and $500 be given to Roberto LopezfortheCincoDeMayoFiestatobeheldonMay4. These groupsaresponsoredbythe Moses LakeBusiness Association and each group has solicited donations from the community. Dr.Covey stated thatthere is no kite festival committee atthistime but Mr.Walton is experienced in puttingonkitefestivals.He has raised $1,750 to date,with a projected budget of $3,000.The Committeerecommendedthatnomorethan$500be provided towards thiskite festival andthatitcome from the first 2% monies rather than the second 2%monies.The Committee felt that the second 2%monies should be held inreserve for larger projects.Hementionedthat guidelines will be establishedso thatrequests of this kindcanbeheardbyfheTourismCommissionratherthantheLodgingTaxAdvisoryCommittee.The funds fromtheCommitteearetohelpMr.Walton meet isbudgetgoal of $3,000 butnomorethan$500will be provided. Mr.Blessing requested clarification onthedifferencebetweenthe first 2%andthesecond2%fundsreceived. Dr.Covey pointed outthatthe first 2%funds are placed inthe General Fund andthe second 2%funds are placed in a separate fund. Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,statedthatthe first 2%isa rebateonthe sales tax from the state andits use isrecommended bythe TourismCommission. The second 2%dictatedthe formation ofthe Lodging Tax AdvisoryCommittee and were originally to be used for the construction of a conference center. Action Taken:Mr.Pearce moved thatup to$500 from the first 2%funds be provided to Bill Walton for the Moses Lake Kite Festival,seconded by Mr.Reese,and passed unanimously. Dr.Covey stated that Roberto Lopez is proposing a Cinco de Mayo Festival on May 4 at Sinkiuse Square (~~\ which willinclude entertainment,culturalbooths, rood booths,etc. He requested $2,500 and has collected about $300.TheCommittee has recommended that upto $500 be providedforthis function fromthe first 2% funds. ActionTaken:Mr.Shinn moved that upto $500 fromthe first 2% funds be providedto Robert Lopez for the Cinco de MayoFestivalon May4,seconded by Mr.Reese,and passed unanimously. Mr.Gavinski mentioned that these funds can only be used towards advertising the events. A letter was read from Dr.Covey which stated that the Moses Lake Lodging Tax Advisory Committee recommended thatthe planning stages ofthe Vision 2002 projectbe funded from the second 2% funds. Dr.Covey pointedout that itwill take approximately$83,000 to get the Vision 2002 projectinthe planningstages.He had mentioned tothe Committee the constraints onthe city duetothe uncertainty ofthestatus ofthe WheelerCorridor and thatthe citywas depending on that area forthe increase infunds forthe city.TheCommitteefeltthatthisprojectneeded to beaddressed andthe recommendation was the Council approve the funding forthe planningand development of the Vision 2002 project. n 5835 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:5 April 9,2002 Mr.Pearcewanted to know how much moneythere is in the fund. He also pointed out thatthese funds cannot be used to fund any short falls the city may experience in any other funds. Ron Cone,Finance Director,stated that as of March 31,2002 there is $226,000 in the fund. Mr.Blessing questioned staffs concern about funding the entire amount with the 2%funds. Joseph K.Gavinski,CityManager,stated thatitdepends on howthe contractisdraftedandwhat will comeoutofit.Thestatute relates totourism promotion,which isadvertising,acquisition oftourism related facilities,orthe operation ofthose tourism facilities.Facilities related totangible personal property with a tangible lifeof 3 ormore years constructed with volunteer labor and is used to support tourism,performing arts,ortoaccommodatetouristactivities.Mr.Leland,oneoftheconsultants for thevision 2002 project,feels that much oftheworkofthe plan will createthe downtown as atourism related facility.Heplanstotiethe city'sexisting Uor developing tourism related facilities together and use the entire downtown as part of the facilities. Ifthe plan cannot be tied to tourism totally,then some of the costwill have to be paid from the General Fund. Action Taken:Mr.Pearce moved that staff draft a contract for use of the 2%tourism monies to fund the planning for the Vision 2002 project,seconded by Mr.Tracy, and passed unanimously. OTHER ITEMS FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION WATER/SEWER RATES The City Council previously determined that a study session should be held to discuss increases to the water/sewer rates.Staff requested Council direction on a date forthis proposed study session. Action Taken:Dr.Covey moved that this item be removed from the table,seconded by Mr.Pearce,and passed unanimously. Dr.Covey pointed outthateven thoughthere may be some excess funds inthe water/sewer fund,he wouldprefertouse the CPI onan annual basissothattherearefunds in the accountfor the needed maintenance, repairs, and capital projects.He felt that raising the rates a little each year is better than a large increase every few years to cover those needed repairs and capital projects. Mr.Pearce mentioned that in 1995 the rates had to be raised 15%and there were a lot of objections.At that time the idea of raising the rates by the CPI was introduced and it has proven to be a very effective.He pointed outthateven nowitdoes notcoverall the costs ofthewater/sewerfund.Hementionedthatthe city has received few complaints aboutthe raising of the rates inthis fashion.He felt thatthe ordinance as presented should be adopted and saw no need for a study session. Mr.Tracy felt that a study session is needed to review the information provided. Mr.Shinn felt thata study session is needed to address certain issues.He would like to seethe financial data from 2001 included in the study session. Mr.Blessing also felt thata studysession shouldbe scheduledto make surethatthe fundsarebeingused(j and not jusfaccumulating year after year. Ron Cone,Finance Director,pointed outthata financial statementincludes accruals,which cannot be spent. Projections are based on a cash basis rather than the financial statement. Mr.Pearce questioned whether or notanyadditional information would change the fact that the water/sewer fund is short every year. Joseph K.Gavinski,CityManager,stated thatactualsarenotavailable atthistime. Hementionedthatitwas never feltthat the 2.5%increase in the rates would be enough to cover all the costs of thewater/sewer fund. Dr.Covey pointed outthatMoses Lakeis 119th inthe state for waterratesandis 101st inthe state for sewer rates.The city's rates are below the average inthe state and he did not seewhat additionalinformationcould be provided. Mr.Blessing pointed out that $2,000,000 was moved from the water/sewer fund to the water/sewer construction fund. He wanted to know what those fund would be spent on and if an increase in the rates is necessary.He felt a study session would be helpful to answerthose questions. Mr.Shinn wanted to know when staff would have the information available fora study session. Mr.Cone felt that the earliest the information could be available would be May 21. ActionTaken:Mr.Shinn moved that this item be tabled and a study session be scheduled for May 21,seconded by Mr.Blessing,and failed with Mr.Shinn,Mr.Blessing,and Mr.Tracy in favor andMr.Pearce,Mr. Reese,Dr.Covey,and Mr.Blackwell opposed. Mr.Blackwell stated that he was concerned that the Council men were not specific about the additional information they are interested in discussing at a study session. The ordinance amending Chapter 13.12 ofthe Moses Lake Municipal Code entitled "Water and Sewer Rates" was read by title only. Action Taken:Mr.Pearce moved that the firstreading of the ordinance be adopted,seconded by Dr.Covey. Mr.Shinn stated that he felta study session is necessary and the city is diverting $450,000 to the General Fund from the Water/Sewer Fund and while itis legal he does not believe itis fair.He feltthat the $450,000wouldhelpdefraythisrateincrease. Mr.Gavinski pointedout that state lawallowsthe cityto placethe interest fromallfunds inthe General Fund. The Council couldchoose to leave the interestmoney inthe Water/Sewer Fund butthen the General Fund would need to be reduced by that amount and Council would need to deal with that. Mr.Reese pointed out that at one time the rates were raised by 60% and he was in favor of raising the rates a littleeach year rather than a large increase every few years. Mr.Blessing stated that he was unsure whether or not an increase is needed inthe water/sewer rates and would like a study session to consider the issue. The motion passed with Mr.Pearce,Mr.Reese,Dr.Covey, and Mr.Blackwell in favor and Mr.Shinn,Mr. Blessing,and Mr.Tracy opposed. U /07s 111*7 5836 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:6 April 9,2002 EASTERN WASHINGTON WATER ISSUES -INTER-LOCAL AGREEMENT Authorization wasrequestedfor the City Manager to sign an inter-local agreementbetweenthecityandotherjurisdictionsinterestedinEasternWashingtonwaterissues.Execution ofthis agreement will provide for thecityto become a memberof the Eastern Washington Water Alliance.The city has attended some of the Alliance's sessions as a non-member and found them to be useful and informative.Cost of membership to the citywould be about $230 per year. Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,pointed out that by joining this Alliance the citycan participate in itsactivities.The Engineering staffwould most likely bemostinvolved astheydeal with water rights and water issues.Many ofthe citiesdeal with the DOE on the same issues and a unitedfront isadvantageous tothe cities. Action Taken:Dr.Covey moved that the City Manager be authorized to sign the agreement,seconded by Mr.f"^ Reese,and passed unanimously. ]q{Oi{HIGHWAY 17 WIDENING PROJECT The Washington State Departmentof Transportation is proposing towiden Highway 17 and has requested the following variances: 1.Constructa50'radiuscurve for the new alignmentofClover Drive northof Nelson Road. Community Standards require a 100' radius curve. 2.Construct two 50'radius curves for the new alignment of Clover Drive north ofWheeler Roadandeliminate the sidewalks along this portion of Clover Drive.Community Standards requirea 100' radius curve. 3. Reduce the right-of-way width from 60'to40'for the new alignment of Farmers Drive and eliminate sidewalks along this portion of Farmers Drive. The Department ofTransportation isalsorequesting the use oftheeasterly20'ofCloverDrive located north of Wheeler Road and near its intersection with Wheeler Road. TerryBerends and Barb DeSteCroux, Departmentof Transportation,explainedthe project. Mr.Berends Road.The i _hasbeen discussed with and approved bythe property owner.This newalignment leaves usable property on both sides ofthe new alignmentof Clover Drive.The School District isalso infavorofthe 50'radiuscurve as it will slow traffic in this area. Isstated that a 50' radiuscurve is proposed forthe new alignment of Clover Drivenorthof Nelson new intersectionis500' fromthe intersectionof Highway 17and Nelson Road. The newalignment Gary G.Harer,Municipal Services Director,statedthatthisproject has received no funding atthistimeand the Council may wish to put a time limiton any variance that is approved. Mr.Berends stated that if funds become available,construction is proposed for 2004 and 2005. Action Taken:Mr.Reese movedthata variance be granted,for a period of5 years,to allow for a 50*radius curve forthe new alignment of Clover Drive northof Nelson Road as shown on Attachment A,seconded by Mr.Pearce,and passed unanimously. Ms.DeSteCroux statedthatClover Drive will be realigned,which will require two50'radius curves.CloverDrivewillnowaccessWheeler Road 230' west of the Highway 17 centerline.Because of the minimal pedestrian traffic in the area, no sidewalks are proposed. Mr.Berends pointed outthatthe rectangular pieceof property located between Clover andWheeler Roadwouldbevacatedandisdesignatedasexcessright-of-way. ActionTaken:Mr.Pearcemoved thatavariancebe granted,for a period of5years,for two 50'radius curves for the new alignment of Clover Drive north ofWheeler Roadanda variance be granted tothe requirement to install sidewalks on Clover Drive as shown on Attachment B,seconded by Dr.Covey,and passed unanimously. Ms.DeSteCroux pointed outthat Farmer's Drive will be relocated.The intersection with Broadway has beenmovedfurthereastfromtheintersectionofBroadwayandHighway17.The streetis proposed tobe 40'wide with no sidewalks. Mr.Harer pointed out that with a 40'right-of-way there is no room for sidewalks inthe future.In ordertoprovideforsidewalksthe citywould haveto purchaseadditional right-of-way orhave itdedicatedwhen the property is platted. Mr.Pearce stated that he would like to see a sidewalkon atleastone side ofthe street and it would be better to have the sidewalk installed at the time the street is constructed. Mr.Shinn felt that sidewalks on at least one side of the street should be included. Mr.Harer stated that Farmer's Drive would be a 36'wide street so for a sidewalk on one side the statewould only have to acquire a couple of more feet. Action Taken:Mr.Shinn moved that the variance be granted,for a period offive years,to reduce the right-of-f~\ way width from 60*to 43'forthe new alignment of Farmers Drive as shown on Attachment Dand sidewalks be required on one side ofthe street,seconded by Mr.Blessing,and passed unanimously. Ms.DeSteCroux stated that the new alignment of Highway 17 north of Wheeler Road will encroach on the Clover Driveright-of-way by 20'.The city has a 60'easement forClover Drive. Normally the Department of Transportation would be required to replace the 20'encroachment but withthe minimal trafficon Clover and the unlikelihood ofdevelopmentofthisareadueto adjacent wetlands,the DOT is requesting the city reduce its Clover Drive easement to 40'. Action Taken:Mr.Pearce moved that the Department of Transportation be granted permission to use the easterly 20'of the easement forClover Drivenorth of Wheeler Road as shown on AttachmentC fora period of 5 years,seconded by Mr.Reese,and passed unanimously. o _ 5837 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:7 April 9,2002 NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS SIDEWALK REPAIRS Tom Hanson,2614 W.Texas Street,stated that he had reported a raised sidewalk in front of his neighborshome,not realizing thatthe neighbor would haveto pay for thecostof repairs.He questioned the practice of requiring home owners to take care of the sidewalk in front of their homes. He felt that itis a public sidewalk and should be the responsibility of the city. He pointed out that the cityonly responds to complaints and there are other areas of the sidewalk in his neighborhood that also need to be repaired but will not be because they have not been reported by any citizen. Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,statedthatthe city only responds to complaints duetothe liability issue.The state law provides that the home owner is responsible for the sidewalk in front of his property.He pointed out that the city could pay for the sidewalk ifit chooses to do so and the Council can also impose a sidewalk LID. There was some discussion by the Council but no action was taken. COUNCIL QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS PLANNING COMMISSION Mr.Blackwell pointed out that Jim Liebrecht has been appointed to the Planning Commission and requested Council confirmation. Action Taken;Dr.Covey moved that the appointment of Jim Liebrecht to the Planning Commission be confirmed,seconded by Mr.Shinn and passed with Mr.Pearce abstaining. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND COMMENTS BUILDING ACTIVITY REPORT /J-"... /post The building activity report for March 2002 was presented. SALES TAX/TRANSIENT RENTAL INCOME ^.£ Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,reported that the city received $211,922.65 in sales tax and $13,421.18 US'/'£ in transient rental income in March 2002. /Q30A INSURANCE PROGRAM The city's insurance carrier,Rogers and Norman,has increased the city's premiums by 10%.This increase is a result of a property rate increase,expansion of the vehicle fleet,and increases in personnel. Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,pointed out that the umbrella coverage has been increased from $2,060,000to $5,000,000with a correspondingincrease in the premiums. Mr.Shinn questioned whether a $5,000,000 coverage is adequate. Mr.Gavinski stated that he would find out the difference in the premiums between the $5,000,000 coverage and the $10,000,000 coverage. Mr.Pearce pointed out that the amount of the umbrella coverage should correlate with the other coverages the city has but he felt $5,000,000 was too low. Mr.Reese wanted to know why the earthquake coverage had been increased from $500,000 to $1,000,000 and what the premium increase was. Mr.Gavinski stated that it was the decision of the city to increase coverage for earthquake damage and he would report back on the increase in the premium. BLOCK GRANT COMPLAINT/GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE Joseph K.Gavinski, City Manager,presented the Complaint/Grievance Procedure for the Community Development Block Grant Program,which relates to the Washington Rural Development Loan. This grievance procedure is required by that program. COUNTY WIDE PLANNING POLICIES The Board of County Commissioners have adopted amendments to the County-Wide Planning Policies and provided for interim controls for interim RAID boundaries. Mr.Blessing stated that the county is interested in talking to the city about the individual RAIDs and the problems the city has with the RAIDs.Hehas indicated tothe county thatthe city isopposed to RAIDs that are immediately adjacent tothe city'slimits and the industrial and commercial RAIDs that are adjacent toor in close proximity to the city's limits.He mentioned that for most of the RAIDs there are no historicalboundariestojustifythem.Apublic hearing will be held on May 14 onthe emergency ordinance that was recently passed by the County Commissioners. There was some discussion by the Council. Mr.Blessing indicated that the County Commissioners have been informed that ifthe issue of RAIDs cannot be satisfactorily worked out with the city,the issue will be placed before the Eastern Washington Growth Management Hearings Board. Joseph K.Gavinski, City Manager,suggested that the city's Growth Management Committee,consisting of Mr.Blessing,Dr.Covey,and Mr.Alvarado,meetwith the County Commissioners to discuss the RAIDs issue. The regular meeting was recessed at 11 p.m.and the Council met in an executive session to discuss Growth Management.The executive session was adjourned at 11:15 p.m.and the regular meeting was reconvened. The regular meeting was adjourned at 11:15 p.m. Finance Director /a*/ /o ?*'