2008 08 26u
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MOSES LAKE CITY COUNCIL
August 26,2008
Council Present: Ron Covey,Richard Pearce,Bill Ecret, Brent Reese,Jon Lane, Dick Deane,and
Jim Liebrecht
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:Mayor Covey led the Council in the pledge of allegiance.
MINUTES:Mr.Ecret moved that the minutes of the August 12,2008 meeting be approved,
seconded by Mr.Liebrecht,and passed unanimously.
APPROVAL OF CLAIMS.PREPAID CLAIMS.CHECKS.AND PAYROLL
Vouchers audited and certified by the Finance Directoras 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.
AsofAugust26,2008 the Council does approve for payment claims in theamountof $554,875.84;
prepaid claimsinthe amounts of $1,282.59, $852,433.67,$510,038.96,and $16,847.90;claim
checks in the amount of $3,865,111.48;and payroll inthe amount of $75,199.30.
Action Taken:Mr.Pearce moved that the bills,checks,prepaid claims,and payroll issued be
approved,seconded by Mr.Reese,and passed unanimously.
PRESENTATIONS AND AWARDS -None
CONSENT AGENDA
Thieme Annexation:Roger Thieme and Harvey Ottmar submitted a Notice of Intent to Annex /os<f
approximately 5.6acresof property located southofWheeler Road andwest of Road L.
Ordinance -Amend Ordinance 2356 -Adiust Corporate Boundaries -Single Reading:An IO^J
ordinance was presented which corrects grammatical and typographical errors in the legal
description of the ordinance adjusting the corporate boundaries.
Resolution -Accept Improvements -Crossroads Phase 1 Major Plat: A resolution was presented
which acceptsstreetandutility improvements constructed as part oftheCrossroads Phase1Major
Plat.
Resolution -Accept Improvements -Crossroads Phase 2 Maior Plat: A resolution was presented
which acceptsstreetandutility improvements constructed as part ofthe Crossroads Phase2 Major
Plat.
Resolution -Accept Improvements -Pelican Wav 2 Maior Plat: A resolution was presented which
acceptsstreet and utility improvements constructed as part ofthe Pelican Way 2 Major Plat.
Resolution -Set Public Hearing - Alley Vacation: A resolution was presented which sets a public
hearing for the vacation of the alleyadjacentto Lot 11,Parkhill-Scea Addition.
ActionTaken:Mr.Pearce moved thatan emergency be declared for the ordinanceamending the
corporate boundaries,that it be adopted on a single reading and that the Consent Agenda be
approved,seconded by Mr.Ecret,and passed unanimously.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES August 26,2008
COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS -None
CONSIDERATION OF BIDS AND QUOTES -None
PETITIONS.COMMUNICATIONS.OR PUBLIC HEARINGS
/0$~f ORDINANCE -CARROLL ANNEXATION -2nd READING/PUBLIC HEARING
An ordinance was presented which provides for the annexation of approximately 20 acres of
property ownedby Patrick Carroll located southofthe proposed Lakes Manufactured Home Park
at the end of Hamilton Road.
The ordinance annexing property commonly known as the Pat Carroll annexationto the City of
Moses Lake, Washington, and incorporating the same within the corporate limits of the City of
Moses Lake was read by title only.
Gilbert Alvarado,Community Development Director,explained the annexation request. He
mentioned that the property will have a split zone with the north halfof the property zoned R-3,
Multi-family Residential,andthe south halfof the property zoned R-1,Single Family Residential.
There was some discussion on the proposed zoning of the property.
The public hearing was opened.
Action Taken:Mr.Deane movedthatthe public hearing be closed,seconded by Mr.Lane,and \)
passed unanimously.
Action Taken:Mr.Lane moved that the second reading of the ordinance be adopted,seconded
by Mr.Liebrecht, and passed unanimously.
/Q23 DOGS-TEMPLE
Rebecca Temple,requested that she be allowed to keep four dogs as she feels they provide
comfort to her and her family.She pointed out that there is nodefinitionof disabled orcomfort dog
inthe Municipal Code and she stated that she does have a disability and to remove the dogs would
be of great detriment to her.
Action Taken:Mr.Pearce moved that the request be denied,seconded by Mr.Deane, and passed
unanimously.
JOYS'SIDEWALK - CITY PARTICIPATION
Mike Hamilton,owner of the old Lucky Break building on Ash Street,requested the city adjust the
sidewalk on Ash Street as it was constructed about 3"below the grade of the building.This 3"
difference creates a problem in remodeling the doorway and the exterior face lift of the building.
Gerry McFaul,City Engineer,stated that the sidewalk is not below grade. He pointed out that the
sidewalks have been in the same location for up to 16 years.He mentioned that the city has been ^^^maintaining the pavers at the grade they were installed.He did not feel the city is responsible for (f ^
changing the sidewalk so that the building can meet ADA requirements.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES August26,2008
[)Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,stated thatthe building was probably originally constructed 3"
higher thanthe sidewalk because atthe timeofthe construction ADA was nota consideration.
There was considerable discussion by the Council.
Mr.Hamilton stated that he wouldlikethe cityto participate inbringing the sidewalk intocompliance
with the ADA requirements sothatthe building would notneedtobe retrofitted.He alsorequested
the city's participation in fixing the area ofthe sidewalk onAshStreetwhere an additional door will
be added to the building.
There was considerable discussion by the Council.
Action Taken:Mr.Reese moved that staff work with Mr.Hamilton on raising the pavers in the
areas of the two doorways for this building and thatthe citypaythe cost to upgradethe doorway
on Ash Street and Mr.Hamilton paythe cost forthe additional doorwayon Ash Street,seconded
by Mr.Liebrecht,and passed with Mr.Deane opposed as he felt that it is not the responsibility of
the city.
THIRD STREET CLOSURE -ALL THATS LEATHER
Keith Townsend,All Thats Leather,requested the closure of Ash Street between Broadway and
Third for the grand opening of the business on August 30, 2008.
^Mr.Townsend stated that he has contacted the businesses inthe area and only one objected to
[J the closure of the street.He submitted a letter with signatures of those businesses who had no
objection.
Richard Engleman,President of MLBA,stated that theyare interested in having new businesses
come to town andthe MLBA suggested thatthe streetbe closed for safety reasons during this
grand opening.He felt that any event that will draw people tothe downtown isa plus.
Action Taken:Mr.Liebrecht moved that the request be granted,seconded by Mr.Lane, and
passed unanimously.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
ORDINANCE -AMEND 12.40 - STREET CONSTRUCTION OR IMPROVEMENT /J&
REIMBURSEMENT CHARGES -2ND READING
Anordinance was presented which establishes the reimbursement charges for the improvements
at Ninth Avenue and Garden Drive.
The ordinance amending Chapter 12.40 of the Moses Lake Municipal Code entitled "Street
Construction or Improvement Reimbursement Charges"was read by title only.
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Action Taken:Mr.Ecret moved thatthe second reading ofthe ordinance be adopted,seconded
by Mr.Pearce, and passed unanimously.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES August26,2008
108^ORDINANCE -AMEND 2.46 -TOURISM COMMISSION -2nd READING
An ordinance was presented which amends the Tourism Commission to allowa person who
manages a business within the cityto be appointed to the Tourism Commission.
The ordinance amending Chapter 2.46 of the Moses Lake Municipal Code entitled "Tourism
Commission"was read by title only.
There was some discussion concerning the make up of the Commission.
Action Taken:Mr.Pearce moved that the second reading of the ordinance be adopted,seconded
by Mr.Liebrecht, and passed unanimously.
jQ^j ORDINANCE -AMEND 10.12 -PARKING REGULATIONS -1st READING
An ordinance was presented which relocates the Grant Transit Authority transfer center from
Fourth Avenue to Third Avenue.
The ordinance amending Chapter 10.12 of the Moses Lake Municipal Code entitled "Parking
Regulations"was read by title only.
Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,statedthatthereissome concern on staffs part aboutchanging
the transfer center to Third Avenue because of the proximity of Frontier Middle School and the
amount of traffic on Third Avenue.
Garry McFaul,City Engineer,statedthataconcernofthe Parks and Recreation Department isthat
people park in the aquaticcenter parking lotanduse the bus,whichreducesthe numberof parking
spaces available for the aquatic center patrons.
Mr.Deanewas concerned that the GTA buses would blockthe view ofAhlers Park and that parking
is at a premium in the area because of the middle school.
GregWright,Transit Manager,stated thatthe shelteratthe aquaticcentertakes upthree parking
spaces and the bus zone takes up another five spaces.In an effortto free up those spaces atthe
aquatic center, GTA looked foranother location for the transfer center. The Third Avenue and
Dogwood Street intersection meets all the needs.He mentioned that the location of the transfer
station is actually on Dogwood Street rather than Third Avenue.
There was some discussion by the Council and itwas determined to discuss itat the next Council
meeting.
/OY(p RESOLUTION -ACCEPT DONATION -BUDU RACING
A resolution was presented which accepts a donation of $3,000 from Budu Racing.The funds are
to be used for the Trails and Paths Program.
The resolution accepting a cash donation of $3,000 from Rory and Deanna Muller of Budu Racing
was read by title only.
Action Taken:Mr.Deane moved that the resolution be adopted,seconded by Mr.Lane,and
passed unanimously.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES August26,2008
I j RESOLUTION -ACCEPT DONATION -JAPAN AIR LINES
A resolution was presented which accepts a donation of a statue inthe form of a hawk valued at
$30,000.The statuewas erected on Yonezawa Boulevard nearits intersection with Division Street.
The statue was donated byJapan AirLines,JALPak,Inc.,JALTours,Inc.,JALUX,and Yonezawa
Press/Yukio Seino.
The resolution accepting the donation of a statue of a hawk valued at $30,000 was read by title
only.
Action Taken:Mr.Ecret moved that the resolution be adopted,seconded by Mr.Lane, and passed
unanimously.
RESOLUTION -BUILD ON UNPLATTED PROPERTY-MAIERS INDUSTRIAL PARK.INC.//;^•/)
A resolution was presented which requested permission for Maiers Industrial Park,Inc.toconstruct
an office and storage area for North Central Construction on unplatted property located at 13184
Wheeler Road.
The resolution allowing Maiers Industrial Park,Inc.to build on unplatted property was read bytitle
only.
Gilbert Alvarado,Community Development Director,described the location and the proposed
project.He pointed out that the resolution requires that the property be platted within one year.
Action Taken:Mr.Pearce moved that the resolution be adopted,seconded by Mr.Ecret, and
passed unanimously.
REQUEST TO CALL FOR BIDS -None
REFERRALS FROM COMMISSIONS -None
OTHER ITEMS FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
NUISANCE ABATEMENT
The Council previously directed city staff to abate nuisances on three separate properties.The
Council should set atimeanddatetohearthe reports onthe abatementofthe nuisancesandany
objections thereto.Atthat time the Council may order that the charges incurred by the city for
abating the nuisances bemade a personal obligation ofthe property owner or assesssuch charges
against the propertyinvolved.
Action Taken:Mr.Lane moved that September 9 be set as the date to hear the nuisance
abatement reports,seconded by Mr.Reese, and passed unanimously.
PARKS AND RECREATION -COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
Authorization wasrequested forthe City Managerto sign theagreement with AjO Consulting/Arvilla
I J Ohlde for the update to the Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES August 26,2008
Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,statedthatitisa requirement to periodically updatethe Parks
and Recreation Comprehensive Plan.The update will be started in 2008and completed in2009.
Action Taken:Mr.Lane moved that the City Manager be authorized to sign the agreement,
seconded by Mr.Liebrecht, and passed unanimously.
11 (pip REQUEST FOR CITYWATER/SEWER
Columbia Northwest Engineering requested permission to connect the Peterson Short PlatNo.5
tothe city'swaterand sewer mains. The plat islocatedatthe intersection of RandolphRoad and
Road 7.
Larry Angell,representing Columbia Northwest Engineering,stated that the developer will be
responsible forthe infrastructureto connect the site to the city's utilities.
Action Taken:Mr.Deane moved that the request be granted with the stipulation that an Extra
Territorial Utility Agreement be required,seconded by Mr.Pearce, and passed unanimously.
Hialp REQUEST FOR CITY WATER -PORT OF MOSES LAKE
The Port of Moses Lake requested permission to connect property located at 22nd Avenue and
Chanute Street to the city's utilities.
Action Taken:Mr.Pearce moved that the request be granted with the stipulation that an Extra ^.
Territorial Utility Agreementbe required,seconded by Mr.Ecret,and passed unanimously.(])
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q5<*SKILLSOURCE SITE PLAN APPEAL -FINDINGS OF FACT
The Findings of Fact,Conclusions, and Decision on the appeal by SkillSource of the Planning
Commission's decision to deny their request to alter their approved site plan in order to place a
used modular building on the site rather than construct a stick-built building as shown on the
approved site plan.
Joseph K.Gavinski, City Manager,stated that the Findings of Fact have been drafted as well as
a letter to SkillSource outlining the Council's concern about the placement of a modular building
at their site on Fifth Avenue.
Action Taken:Mr.Lane moved that the Findings of Fact,Conclusions,and Decision be adopted,
seconded by Mr.Reese.
Mayor Covey stated that even though the majorityof the Council would liketo support the decision
of the Planning Commission,according to state law, that is not a viable option.
The motion passed with Mr.Lane,Mr.Deane,Mr.Reese,and Mayor Covey in favor and Mr.
Pearce,Mr.Ecret,and Mr.Liebrecht opposed.
The letter to SkillSource was read in its entirety.
Mr.Deane stated that the only reason the building was allowed is because oflegal requirements (])
and not the architectural or aesthetic quality of the building.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES August 26, 2008
IJ There was some discussion andthe Council was not in favor of the placement of the modular
building at the site but itwas the consensus that the drafted letter was appropriate.It was pointed
out that the city also received letters from neighbors who were opposed to the placement of the
modular unit at the SkillSource site.
There was some discussion by the Council and staff was requested to research architectural
standards for the community.
NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS -None
COUNCIL QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS
GRANT COUNTY ASSETS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Mayor Covey stated that he had been contactedbyJohn Hite concerning anotherbookaboutthe
Columbia Basin but he is requesting payment in advance if the city wishes to participate.He
pointed out that the citycannot legally pay for anything inadvance. He mentioned that the city
participated in this project in 2006.-
There was some discussion by the Council on whether or notto participate inthis new book.
Action Taken:Mr.Pearce moved that the Mayornegotiate with Mr.Hiteconcerning his proposed
book fora cost not to exceed $3,000,seconded by Mr.Liebrecht, and passed unanimously.
[^_J CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND COMMENTS
GAMBLING TAXES -PORTERHOUSE RESTAURANT
Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manger,statedthatthe Porterhouse Restaurant owes the city pastdue
gambling taxes.Theyhavewithdrawn the petition for bankruptcy and the city has requested that
the unpaid taxes be paid.The city has provided them with the total amount owning,including
penalties.They have proposed paying $2,100 per month for five years.This will only cover the
actual taxes due and does not take into account the penalties imposed,nor the accrued interest.
Mayor Covey statedthat he is not in favor ofthe proposal from the Porterhouse.
Mr.Liebrecht feltthat the taxes,penalties, and interest should be paidat this time.
Larry Larson,attorney representing the Porterhouse Restaurant,stated thattheyare requesting
some consideration for the unpaidgambling taxes for the third and fourth quartersof2005andthe
first andsecond quarters of2006. Taxes havebeen paid sincethat time.He pointed outthatthe
language in the Moses Lake Municipal Code allows for a compromise ifit is in thebest interest of
the city.
Mr.Gavinski stated that there were additional problems since the Porterhouse also made only
partial payments in some of the laterquarters.
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There was considerable discussion by the Council concerning the issue.
Bruce Russell,LakeBowl,wasopposedtoallowing theextratime for Porterhouse topaytheir back
gambling taxes.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES August 26,2008
Action Taken:Mr.Reese moved that the Porterhouse Restaurant be given 10 days to pay the back
gambling taxes,including penalties and interest,seconded by Mr.Liebrecht.
Dick Lowry,Sportsman Tavern,stated that the new owner has already applied for a gambling
license and ifthat is granted the current owners will have nothing to give the city.
The motion passed with Mr.Pearce opposed as he felt they should be given additional time to pay
the funds to prevent them from declaring bankruptcy and the citycollecting nothing.
j03O BUILDING ACTIVITY REPORT
The July 2008 Building Activity Report was presented.
/03 CIVILSERVICE COMMISSION
Joseph K.Gavinski, City Manager,stated that there are two vacancies on the Civil Service
Commission and requested the names of anyone interested in serving.
The regular meeting was adjourned at 10 p.m.
Ronald C.Covey,Mayor
ATTEST:
Ronald R.Conef Finance Director
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BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF MOSES LAKE,WASHINGTON
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPEAL OF THE
SKILLSOURCE SITE PLAN AMENDMENT
NO.06-3 AMENDMENT
FINDINGS OF FACT,CONCLUSIONS,AND
DECISION TO REVERSE
1.HEARING BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL:
1.1 Date:A closed record hearing was heldupon proper noticebeforethe CityCouncil on
August 12, 2008.The matterbeforethe City Council was:
1.2 Purpose:Appeal of the Planning Commission's decision to deny a site plan
amendmentto SkillSource for its property located at309 E.5th Avenue.The appeal by
SkillSource isof the denial of its application to amend itssite plan for the 309 E.5th
Avenue property.SkillSource alleges thatthe denial is notbased upon provisions of
the Moses Lake Municipal Code and is not made in conformity with the requirements
of the municipal code. Such denial of the site plan amendment prevents SkillSource
from obtaining a building permit to locate a modular building atthe 309 E.5th Avenue
property.
1.3 Parties:The parties to this appeal are:
SkillSource,the appellant,party with standing,and
City of Moses Lake,respondent
1.4 Evidence.The City Council considered the following evidence and arguments.
A.The record from the open record hearing before the Planning Commission held on
June 12,2008,consisting of the audio recordings of the hearing, all written
materials submitted to the Planning Commission and all exhibits entered by the
Planning Commission.
B.The written appeal and argument of SkillSource in support oftheir position on this
appeal set forth in the notice of appeal.
C.The written findings and decision of the Planning Commission and the
presentation of city staff in response to the appeal.
2.FINDINGS OF FACT:Based upon the evidence in the record,the City Council makes the
following findings of fact:
2.1 The action ofthe Planning Commission indenying the SkillSource site plan amendment
is not supported by the record below.
2.2 The appellants have provided evidence in the record that:
FINDINGS OF FACT AUGUST 26,2008
SKILLSOURCE SITE PLAN PAGE2
A.The decision ofthe Planning Commission to deny the binding site plan amendmentfortheSkillSourcepropertyat309E.5th Avenue is not supported by the record (T**)
produced below.'
B.The record below establishes that the modular building proposed by SkillSource
to be placedon the propertyat 309 E.5th Avenue is not consistent withthe overall
plan for the property nor is it compatible with the other buildings on the lot and the
proposed modularbuilding willdetract from the overall design ofthe campusbeing
built on the property,however,the building is permitted under city zoning and
building code provisions.
C.The Planning Commission's decision to deny the amendment appears to be
arbitrary and capricious as the reasons stated forthe denial do notcomplywith the
requirements ofWashington law and are insufficient to sustain the decision of the
Planning Commission.
2.3 The decision of the Planning Commission to denythe SkillSource site plan amendment
is not supported by the evidence submitted and that decision should be reversed.
3.CONCLUSIONS:From the foregoing findings of fact the City Council makes the following
conclusions:
3.1 The Planning Commission is vested with the authority to consider site plan
amendments.
3.2 The SkillSource site plan amendment for 309 E.5th Avenue was properly before the fT^\
Planning Commission for consideration.This closed record hearing is properly before '
the City Council.
3.3 The denial of the site plan amendment is not supported by the record below.
3.4 The decision of the Planning Commission should be reversed.
4.DECISION:Onthe basis ofthe foregoing Findings of Factand Conclusions, itisthe decision
of the City Council of the Cityof Moses Lakethat the decision of the Planning Commission
todenythe SkillSource site plan for 309E.5th Avenueisreversed and a building permit may
be issued for the placement of a modular building as proposed by SkillSource.
Approvedbythe City
Ronald C.Covey
Mayor
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