2005 09 276271
MOSES LAKE CITY COUNCIL
September 27,2005
Council Present:Ron Covey,Richard Pearce,Dick Deane,Steve Shinn,Brent Reese,and Jon
Lane Absent:Lee Blackwell
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:Mayor Covey led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance.
MINUTES:Mr.Reese moved that the minutes of the September 13,2005 meeting be approved
tJ as submitted,seconded by Mr.Lane,and passed unanimously.
APPROVAL OF BILLS.CHECKS.AND PREPAID CLAIMS
Action Taken:Mr.Lane moved that the bills,checks,and prepaid claims issued be approved,
seconded by Mr.Reese,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 Council for approval and is retained for public
inspection at city hall.
As of September 27,2005 the Council does approve for payment vouchers in the amount of
$221,056.75 and prepaid claims of $10,264.70 and $3,216.63.
PRESENTATIONS AND AWARDS -None
CONSENT AGENDA
Resolution -Grant Easement -Larson Plavfield Plat:Aresolution was presented which provides /0/3
fora public utility easementon the Larson Plavfield Platto accommodate utilities serving the Larson
Plavfield,Fire Station 2,and the Leftwich Short Plat.
Resolution -Wanapum Drive Activity Trail:A resolution was presented which authorized staffto /£/0
i i apply foran enhancement grant to construct an activity trailalong the south sideofWanapum Drive
^"^from Peninsula Drive to Lakeshore Drive.
Request to Dischargeto CitvSewer -Operationsand MaintenanceYard Cleanup: The contractor /c^O^
doing the cleanup of the Operations and Maintenance Yard has requested authorization to
discharge water from the cleanup operation to the city's sewersystem.The waterwill pass through
a charcoal filtration system to meet the drinking water standards.
I-90/Broadwav Interchange:Authorization was requested for staffto apply for an enhancement /D/^
grant to beautify approximately five acres at the 1-90/Broadway interchange.
Action Taken:Mr.Deane moved that the Consent Agenda be approved,seconded by Mr.Lane,
and passed unanimously.
COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS -None
CONSIDERATION OF BIDS -None
PETITIONS.COMMUNICATION.OR PUBLIC HEARINGS
EMERGENCY SERVICES
u
Sam Lorenz,Directorof Grant County Emergency Management,and Travis Skidmore,Homeland
Security,gave a presentation on disaster preparedness.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
ORDINANCE -STREET REIMBURSEMENTS -SINGLE READING
An ordinance was presented which establishes reimbursement charges forthat portionof Battery
Road constructed as part of the Glenmoor Reach II Major Plat.
The ordinance amending Chapter 12.40 of the Moses Lake Municipal Code entitled "Street
Construction or Improvement Reimbursement Charges"was read by title only.
K99
//(*/
6272
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES September 27, 2005
Gary Harer, Municipal Services Director,stated that the two property owners affected by this
ordinance have been notified and no negative comments have been received.Since one of the
property owners is looking to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy,it is requested that the ordinance
be adopted on a single reading.
Action Taken:Mr.Shinn moved that an emergency be declared and the ordinance be adopted on
a single reading,seconded by Mr.Lane,and passed unanimously.
REQUEST TO CALL FOR BIDS -None O
REFERRALS FROM COMMISSIONS
/q-S1/ORDINANCE -AMENDING FENCING REQUIREMENTS -1st READING
An ordinance was presented which provides for additional regulations for fences on through lots
adjacent to a city arterial.The new requirements provide fora safer and more pedestrian friendly
atmosphere on a sidewalk adjacent to an arterial.
The ordinance amending Chapter 18.20 of the Moses Lake Municipal Code entitled "Residential
Zones"was read by title only.
Lori Barlow,Associate Planner,stated that there are a number of through lots adjacent to Valley
Road and Yonezawa Boulevard.The portion ofthe property facing the arterial becomes the back
yard and 6'high fences are allowed.The fences can be placed immediately adjacent to the
sidewalk.With these fences there is a conflict with respect to the private property and the public
space.The city is looking fora balance between the back yard privacy issue and the public space.
She pointedoutthatthe cityhas invested a greatdeal oftime and money intoYonezawa Boulevard
to make itan attractive street forthe use of pedestrians and bikers.The Planning Commission has
proposed changes to the regulations that will respect the privacyof the property owner and also
deal with the aesthetics of the arterial.She showed several examples of fences along arterials
which are located immediately adjacent to the sidewalk and those that have landscaping between
the sidewalk and the fence.
Mr.Pearce was concerned about how the landscaping along the fence would be maintained.
Mr.Lane was also concerned about the looks of the arterial but also the maintenance of the
proposed landscaping.
Mr.Shinn was concerned about the required landscaping and the prohibitionof chain link fences.
Mayor Covey stated that landscaping between the sidewalk and a fence can look nice if it is
maintained.He mentioned that there is a shy zone ifa fence is located adjacent to a sidewalk,so
in essence there is about 2'of the sidewalk that is not used.
There was some discussion by the Council concerning private property rights,maintenance of the
landscaping,type of landscaping,and fence height.
John Fetterhoff,representing Aho Construction,stated that on arterial streets there is a 10'utility
easement behind the sidewalk.That would place a fence 6'behind the sidewalk over the water,
sewer,electrical,or other utilities. If the developer does not install the subdivision fence,the
homeowners will be applying for the permits and at that time would be informed that fences have
to be 6'into their property and that the area has to be landscaped and maintained.He felt that
there could be an issue of the taking of private property for a public use.He mentioned that until
a home is constructed on a lot,there is no way to get water to the landscaped area.He
recommended that any fencing and landscaping be made part of the plat requirements and that
public meters be installed to water the area.Developers could be assessed a certain amount per
lot and that the city maintain this area./^\
Ken Johnson,property owner on Yonezawa,stated that it is important to him to have a 6'fence
along Yonezawa for privacy and security issues.He mentioned that the required Type III
landscaping would be difficult for the homeowners to maintain.
Mr.Pearce mentioned that if these new regulations become effective,itwill affect existing areas,
if those areas have a fence on an arterial that needs to be replaced.The fence would have to be
setback from the sidewalk 6'which would impact established landscaping.
There was some discussion and it was the consensus ofthe Council that the ordinance be referred
back to the Planning Commission for additional discussion.
o
^j
6273
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES September 27, 2005
FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER -ENHANCEMENTS
The Parks and Recreation Commission and the Moses Lake Tourism Commission have
recommended the Council pursue the addition of a FlowRider,lazy river,deep flow channel,and
multi-use deck to the Family Aquatic Center.
Spencer Grigg,Parks and Recreation Director,explained the elements ofthe proposed addition to
the aquatic center.The cost for the addition willbe approximately $2,000,000.
Mr.Deane stated that all age groups use these facilities with most of the users being junior and
senior high school age.
Mayor Covey statedthat itwill be a great addition to the aquatic center and willbring people in from
other areas.
Mr.Lane wanted to know if the.addition would tie in with the existing facility and what the daily
energy costs would be.
Mr.Grigg stated that it is a stand alone system that comes with its own filtration, circulation,and
chlorination systems.He felt the increase in revenues would cover the cost of operation.
There was some discussion by the Council.
Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,stated that funding for this addition could come from the
hotel/motel tax since up to 80%ofthe users ofthe aquatic center are from out-of-town based upon
recent data collected by the city.
Council was in favor ofthe proposed addition but requested additional information on the funding.
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT -STAFFING
The Moses Lake Parks and Recreation Commission has recommended that additional staff be
i j added tothe Parks and Recreation Department due tothe increase in the park acreage over the
past five years and the need for additional maintenance and clerical support.
Spencer Grigg, Parks and Recreation Director, provided a listof the additions to the park system
since 2000 and those projects currently underconsideration.In2000 there were 10 park acres per
maintenance employeeand nowthere are 15 park acres per maintenance employee.There is also
additional work in the clerical area of the department.He mentioned that the clerical employee is
only parttime and has no benefits so there is quite a turnover inthat position.Making ita full time
position willcreate better continuity in the office.
Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,stated that most of the city departments are probably in need
of additional staff and recommended that staff levels be discussed at the Council/staff retreat.
Itwas the consensus of the Council that staffing be discussed at the Council/staff retreat.
OTHER ITEMS FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
REQUEST FOR WATER/SEWER SERVICE -SWARTZ
Don and Carolann Swartz have requested approval to extend city waterand sewerto their property
located off of 32nd Avenue between Boiling Street and Andrews Street.
Gary Harer, Municipal Services Director,stated that the city has sufficient capacity to meet this
request.He mentioned that an Extra Territorial Utility Agreement would be required ifthe request
is granted.
Carolann Swartz stated that the area is approximately 30 acres in size and is located at the west
end of the runway.A prospective buyer wishes to make sure that water and sewer would be
available priorto purchasing the site.She mentioned that extension ofthe water and sewer is not
required at this time,butthey need assurancethat the services will be extended should the property
be developed.
Mr.Pearce pointed outthatthe city would not extend the water and sewer lines to this property,that
would be the responsibility of the developer.The city would only approve the extension of water
and sewer.
Ralph Kincaid,realtor,stated that the company that is proposing to purchase the property wishes
to be sure that water and sewer is available but are not requesting that the city construct the lines.
/DOO
//Ofy
//6>0>
7^
6274
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES September 27,2005
Action Taken:Mr.Shinn moved that the request for water and sewer service be granted with the
stipulation that an-Extra Territorial Utility Agreement be required,seconded by Mr.Lane,and
passed unanimously.
MULTI-AGENCY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER
Mayor Coveyappointed Interim FireChiefTom Taylor to the Multi-Agency Communications Center
Board of Directors to replace the city's retired Fire Chief,Dave Helms.
NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS -None
COUNCIL QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS
HEALTH DISTRICT
Mr.Pearce pointed out that state statutes require the county to fund the Health District.There is
nothing in the state statutes that would require funding from the cities.Because many cities in
Grant County contributed $1 per citizen last year, he was concerned that the county and the Health
Districtwould come to depend on the cities to provide that type of funding each year. He felt the
county should be reminded that itis their responsibility to fund the Health Districtand they should
not depend on the cities.He also feltthat contagious diseases are a state-wide concern and should
be dealt with accordingly.
Mr.Shinn felt that the cities should be assisting the Health District as it is an important issue.
Mr.Deane suggested thatthe Council send a letter to the state legislators and request additional
funding for the Health District.
n
/Q5^ANNEXATION -FAIRGROUNDS
//At
/#9
/off*
Mayor Covey stated that the county is making a study of the water and sewer facilities at the
fairgrounds and trying to determine whether or not a recirculating system can be installed rather
than using city utilities.(^)
AGCCT MEETING
Mayor Covey reminded the Council of the AGCCT meeting in Quincy on Thursday,September 29.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,reminded the Council that Roger Brooks will be holding
meetings at the Museum and Art Center on Wednesday,September 28, at 8 a.m.on downtown
revitalization and again at 12 noon on wayfinding and signage.He is also the featured speaker at
the Chamber of Commerce dinner at 7 p.m.where he will be speaking on tourism.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND COMMENTS
SAMARITAN HOSPITAL TRANSPORT POLICY
Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,distributed a copy of Samaritan Hospital's non-emergency
ambulance transport policy.The city has some concerns about this policy which requires the
patient to make a choice on which ambulance service to use.
GARBAGE COLLECTION
Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,distributed information on the cost of providing a second
garbage cart to anaddress. The second cart would costthe same as the first cart.^^
Itwas the consensus ofthe Council that the city provide a second cart to those citizens requesting
it.
/.{3(j?2004 AUDIT
Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,stated that at the exit conference with the auditors,donations
bythe city was a concern,the policy on bonding of city personnel is a minor issue that needs to be
resolved with the ordinances,and a slight problem with the recording of claims has been resolved.
^
6275
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES September 27,2005
SCHNEIDER ANNEXATION
Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,reported that the Grant County Boundary Review Board is
considering the Schneider Annexation.There appears to be no reason that the annexation would
be denied based on the presentation that was made.He mentioned that property owners adjacent
to the Schneider property have indicated their interest in annexing if the utilities are extended.
NEPPEL LANDING LEASE
Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,stated that afterdiscussions with the railroad and the assessors
office,the taxes assessed for 2003,2004,and 2005 have been canceled.He mentioned that there
are other assessments on the property that the city has made in the past and there are on-going
discussions concerning those.
The regular meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
ATTEST:
Ronald C.Covey,Mayof
C*?*-<^_
Ronald R.Cone,Finance Director
:vo