1971 09 28JLb44
Council Meeting - Regular Session September 28,1971
Council Chambers 8:00 P.M.
Members Present :Councilman Robt.E.Hill,W.B.Moe,Norman W.lohnson,Gordon M.
Ebbert,Otto M.Skaug,Ernest V.Lindell and Michael Boylei
Mayor Skaug called the meeting to order.Minutes of the previous council meeting of September 14,
1971,were approved as written upon a motion by Hill; second by Johnson.Motion carried.
REGULAR BILLS TOTAL AMOUNT PAID
GENERAL $1,954.90
STREET 6.10
PARK 206.89
LIBRARY 237.36
URBAN ARTERIAL 9,303.32
WATER/SEWER 1,067.95
SANITATION 7,315.21
L I EQUIPMENT RENTAL 464.95
Motion by Boyle that the regular bills be paid.Second by Lindell.Motion carried.
Warrant No's 1144 through 1206 in the amount of $20,556.68 were approved for payment.
PUBLIC HEARING -ZONE CHANGE REQUEST FROM R-l TO R-3,LOTS 16 &17,BLOCK L,LAKEVIEW
TERRACE UNIT NO.1 . -HULL //?a
MayorSkaug openedthe public hearingto public participation.No comments were forthcoming.
No written protests had been submitted.Motion by Johnson that this portion of the public hearing
be closed.Second by Hill.Motion carried.Mayor Skaug then called for comments from the Council
regarding this request.Motion by Johnson to grant the zone change request,with no access to Pioneer
Way.Second by Boyle.
Councilman Hill -In an R-3 Zone,what maximum height building is allowed?
City Manager Waggener -l\stories or 27.feet,except schools,water towers,etc.by special permit.
Councilman Hill -The reason he inquired,in case they built very high in that area .it could obstruct
the view for the homes already in the neighborhood.Also he talked toa number of people and they
were not aware of this zone change request,and when it was explained to them,they had no objection.
Mayor Skaug - commented that there seems to be a lack of interest,and you hear the remark,
•'we were not aware of this coming before the Council."Is there any way we can make the people
more aware of what is coming up before council.The article in the paper that we see that has
Chamber-of Commerce news,is good.Maybe that is'an"instrument that City should use.
Councilman Johnson - I think probably a headline "city news"emphasizing in some way that it
might draw attention to the article,that they will read it.
Councilman Boyle -Normally,it appears on the front page what is on the Council agenda.
Councilman Hill -Yes,but it shouldn't appear the same night,probably do more good the night
before a council meeting.
The question was called motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO.630 - FIXING AMOUNT TO BE RECEIVED FROM TAXATION FOR THE 1972 BUDGET
The ordinance was read in its entirety.Councilman Hill asked the difference in dollar value
compared to 1971.Charles Davenport,City Clerk, stated the 1971 figure was approximately '
$330,000,ox-about a $40,000 reduction because of the special levy assessed in 1971.We used
to be entitled to 16 mills,but we are now reduced to 8 mills.What they,did they doubled the
assessed valuation and cut in half the millage.
City Manager Waggener -There is some misunderstanding in the State that cities are yielding
tremendous increases in property revenues because of the increase in the assessed valuation,
the valuation is not being increased that much and how much of that increase the cities can get
in one yeac There is a maximum of 6%that we can get in one year.If they went to each of our
homes and just added 50% to the valuation,the city would not get 50%, we could get only a 6%
maximum increase in one year.At this point we are not even getting 6%;it has not increased
that amount.
Motion by Hill that the ordinance be adopted.Second by Johnson.Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO.539 -ALLOWING PARTICIPATION BY THE LOCAL HOUSING OWNERS IN THE
FEDERAL RENT SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM./&^S
A letter was read from K.O.Moos,of Bedford &Moos,Inc.,realty firm,stating that he was
submitting this resolution for Council consideration,.and it is simply a resolution that will
enable certain elderly low-income people to pay the market rent with public funds appropriated by
the United States Congress.
The resolution was read in its entirety.Mr.Moos was present and further stated that briefly,
what it amounts to,because of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965,no individual
can go into any incorporated city and build this type of housing for the elderly;without the bless
ing of the city.This is done with private capital and subsidized by the federal government.We
have instances where a man and wife get approximately $250 per month social security,and if
their rent exceeds 25%of their income then the federal government will pick up the difference.
The federal government has strict requirements that the locations of a complex of this type must
be located within walking distance of doctors,drug stores and food markets.Of course,this
is up to the individual to so locate and satisfy the requirements of the federal government,but
the government will lend only after the local governing body adopts a resolution to that effect.
The building requirements must still comply with the building code.He did call the chief under
writer of the-Federal Housing in Spokane, and there is one applicant that he knows of, but until
this resolution is adopted,they cannot deal with him.
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1645 September 28,1971
Councilman Ebbert -The government will pay so much over that and they actually have a choice
where they live and the amountthey pay ?
K.O.Moos -The amount they pay is based upon their fixed income.Even wdfare people are
entitled to this.They are non-discriminatory.Pensioners,etc.,who are living in substandard
housing or housing that is takinga major partoftheir income,are entitled. Inthis instance it
would cut some ofthe welfare benefits down for some ofthe people.It is, in his opinion,one
of the best federal programs.
Councilman Ebbert -When the contractor builds these buildings,will he build,different grades
of complexes ?
K.O.Moos -They would be apartment type housing.For instance also, an invalid person would
not be placed on the second floor.
Mayor Skaug -Should these parties that are proposing to build these, - theywill appear before
the Planning Commission and outline their project to.them?
K.O.Moos - Iftheyare going intoan R-3 zone, I don't think so. Ifa site is chosen that is not
zoned forthis typeof construction,thentheywill have to go before the Planning Commission.
Councilman Lindell - Are we talking about new construction on this?
K.O.Moos -Yes,this isall new construction.Unless,ifit is an old apartment building,they
will have to spend a minimum of $600 per unit, otherwise it will not be considered.
Mayor Skaug - Primarily it is for the low-income elderly?
K.O.Moos -Right,- it is not open to just anybody that wants to come in. Itis not a 236 program,
Mayor Skaug -At the meetings thatI have attended with .the Senior Citizens,they reflect quite a
concern based upon their ability to pay.
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Motionby Ebbert to adopt ResolutionNo. 539.Second by Boyle.Motion carried.
7 RESOLUTION NO.540 -INCREASING SPEED LIMITS ON CERTAIN STREETS
Aletterwasread from Richard L.Weaver,Public Works Director,statingheis submitting the final
resolution needed forthe Traffic Code Revision study.The mostsignificant itemfor consideration is
the raising ofthe speed limit onWest Broadway andon Pioneer Way from 35 to 40 miles per hour.
Theonly objection he can see to raising these speeds to 40 mph is the existence of three school
crossings.To solve this problem he proposes going to the new Uniform Traffic Manual School Cross
ing Warning sign and the use of 20 mph flagged speed limit protectionat school crossings.
The resolution was read by title only. It listed those arterial streets to be increased to 30; 35;
40; and 50 mph. Healso submitteda color coded map for viewing,showing the different arterial
streets and the maximum increase of speed for each.
Councilman Johnson - What is the real purpose on Wapato to 30 mph?
City EngineerWeaver - People are traveling 40 mph there now, and the road is narrow and it justi
fies 30 mph,it does not Justify 40 mph. We take a radar unit out and plot the speed people are
traveling and accumulate the percentage of samples,then we take 85th percentile to arrive at a
Justifiable speed rate;over that percentile we get a much higher speed rate.The width of the
street figures in determining the speed.also.
Councilman Hill -The one I question is the one on Valley Road from the city limits to Stratford
Road to a proposed 35 miles per hour.I would be against raising the speed there.
City Manager Waggener - I might comment that a few years ago it was 35 mph and lowered to
25 mph,and had more problems at 25 than at 35,such as near accidents,etc.,because they
felt it was too low a speed.It was at that time then that we put in the overhead cross walk sign.
Councilman Hill -That crosswalk always concerns me at the Taste Freeze.We have exits and
entrances at Valley &Central,Tastee Freeze and Shopping Center area,and the driver has numer
ous things to watch.
Councilman Boyle asked Rich Weaver to go into more detail on the school crossing sign.
City Engineer Weaver -It is a newly shaped school traffic sign and it shows a picture of two
children in a crosswalk,then further on down from the sign are 20 mph signs with a red flag in
the sign and it leans out over the street.When that flag is up the speed limit is 20 mph and
when downitreverses back to the basic street speed.The school patrol willput the sign up and
back down.
Councilman Ebbert -On Peninsula Drive,what does your Engineer graph show?My concern is,
there are an awful lot of kids on that street.
City Engineer Weaver - It averages 36 to 37 mph,and it is now 25 mph.
Motion by Skaug that the Resolution be adopted.Second by Lindell.
Councilman Hill - I wonder on this Peninsula Drive,-the same as Mr.Ebbert - how are we
adjusting,according to overallspeed or conditions.There are an awful lotof children in that area.
Mayor Skaug - They seem to be guided by the prevailing speed that is in existence now.
Councilman Hill - But not in a residential area.
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September 28,1971 -
Councilman Ebbert -People are traveling there at the curve over 36 mph now?
City Engineer Weaver -Yes,and the 30 mph was the police chief and my recommendation.
Question called -Motion carried.Johnson abstaining and Hill voting nay.
REFERRAL FROM PLANNING COMMISSION - MECHANICS UNLIMITED REQUEST FOR SPECIAL PER-
MISSION FOR SALE OF BOATS AND TRAILERS IN HS ZONE.~",ilU/i//5
A letter was read from City Manager,Chester L.Waggener,stating that the Planning Commission
at their regular meeting of September 16,1971,considered a request from Mechanics Unlimited for
special permission for the sale of boats and trailers in Highway Service Zone located at 2140 W.
Broadway. In accordance with Ordinance No.581,open sales lots are allowed in HS Zone by spec
ial permit.The Planning Commission recommends granting the special permit with the provision
that vehicles or commodities for sale be parked 40 feet back from the street right of way line.
Councilman Ebbert -These trailers will be boat trailers?i
City Manager Waggener -They could be camper type also.j
Councilman Ebbert - Did we not deny the proposed trailer repair that they could not store any trail
ers in there ?
Councilman Lindell -They were granted permission and then they did not go in after permission
was granted.
Councilman Ebbert - I was thinking about B &F.
City Manager Waggener -They are not in Highway Service Zone-They have been notified to
move the trailers or come before the Planning Commission.
Motion by Moe that the applicant be granted permission with the.pro visions as stipulated.
Second by Hill.Motion carried.
MILLER HOMES,INC.-PROPOSED USE OF KITTLESON CORNER
Mr.John Underwood,Attorney,25 -102nd N.E.,Bellevue,Washington,was present representing A/7
Miller Homes,Inc.,and explained to the City Council that Miller Homes,Inc.,has leased 42 acres
known as Kjttleson Corner from the State Department of Natural Resources for 55 years, to be develop
ed for a travel-convention center.Anderson &Bell,are Architects and Jones-&Associates,are Engineers,
for the project.The site is just outside the City Units at the northeast quadrant of intersection at
Interstate 90 and State Highway 17.Access to the property is available from 1st Street N.E.and L.Street
N.E.and a highway frontage road.
Miller Homes,Inc.,intends to develop a center on the site which will cater to the freeway traveller,
consisting of a motel-convention center cf 100-150 rooms,service stations,restaurant,a travel trailer
park, with showers,laundry, pool and small type convenience grocery store,gift and curio shop,an i
amusement center,'with pool,billiard and bowling facilities,trailer rental facilities,etc.They j
do not intend to attract such users as department stores,super markets,furniture stores or similar ,
business that would ordinarily be established in commercial areas.They do not intend to compete with j
downtown Moses Lake businesses.j
i.
They have a petition for a zone change before the Grant County Planning Commission for the purpose of j
placing needed commercial facilities on the site.There will be a public hearing regarding this on October «
6,1971 at Ephrata.Should the County grantthe request, the firm anticipates requesting sewerand j
possibly water facilities from the City of Moses Lake.. j
Mr.Underwood emphasized that development would be gradual,beginning with probably two service
stations,and the motel to be at least one and a half years later,but are planning to move forward in
an orderly fashion.
He further explained that the lease with the State is a percentage type lease.This being school land,
Miller homes obtained the lease throughcompetitive bidding, and their bid was submitted higher j
than others,along with their submittal"of a reasonable plan of development, and were awarded the ?
lease.They intend to be on the property for the full 55 years and what they are going to do will •
benefit the City of Moses Lake as well.
Councilman Hill asked Mr.Underwood -What are your plans for water and sewage?
i
Mr.Underwood -We will be back at the appropriate time to talk to sou about your wonderful sewage
system that we will need.We are going on septic with the service stations,and going en pump ,
trucks during our period of construction.We are not in a position to make a decent proposal at the
present time,but our plans are to come back to you to run.some lines for us.
Councilman Ebbert - How many people to you propose for the convention center?i
Mr.Underwood -We believe that the motel operator should arrive at the facilties he wants to pay
for,and economically it will justify a major convention center,but your guess is as good as ours.
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Councilman Hill -Would you settle for a smaller motel?You said about 100 to 150 rooms?!
Mr.Underwood - A good motel operator,and what he will settle for.We are not going to build a
loser,and I don't think anyone is going to rent one either.
Mr.Underwood also noted that the City Council's comments and thoughts to the Grant County Plann
ing Commission would be appreciated.Miller Homes,Inc.have asked Julian Agranoff to solicit your
opinion and if what we are doing is acceptable,we are interested in .what your thinking is on the matter.
Councilman Hill -Have you.talked with the State Highway Department about the access road?I mean
the one going onto the property area?
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September 28,1971
Mr.Underwood -Not as much as we should have.We are taking up the matter with the State High
way Department,and let them fight with the Department of Natural Resources.
K.O.Moos,President of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce,stated that the proposed develop
ment has been discussed a-t the Chamber level and a plan of this type is welcome,only if it will not
develop into another miniature "south center".Feels we will get more favorable comments,since we
have a number of business people here tonight.The other question lis the structure on the taxes.
The improvements and that I understand,there is some question wheoher a lease-holder Is not taxed
and that only improvements will be put on the tax rolls?
Mr.Underwood -No,there is no agreement,and the improvements will be taxed to the tenant
operator,and the personal property tax will be collected by the taxtog authority.
K.O.Moos -The improvements only?
Mr.Underwood -Yes.We recognize we present a threat of competition,which is hardly in the
confines of good planning or good business,and that is one of the reasons I am here,to emphasize we are
not intending to compete with the downtown.Our Intention is exactly as outlined in our Statement
of Justification,that we are not going to duplicate these kinds of businesses.
Mayor Skaug thanked Mr.Underwood on behalf of Miller Homes,Inc.,for their consideration of the
City of Moses Lake to make this presentation of their plans for the proposed development.
SANITARY LAND FILL
A letter was read from Richard Weaver,Public Works Director,stating that in October of 1970,at the
request of the Grant County Commissioners,the City agreed to accept refuse from the County.At
the present time we are accepting approximately the following amount of refuse at the sanitary land
fill:2600 yards -City Garbage;400 yards -Grant County Airport Garbage;2100 yards -Rural
and Industrial R^use;400 yards -Residential County and City refuse.
According to the figures,the breakdown of refuse is approximately 50-50.The cost to the City of
Moses Lake to administer this land fill is approximately $2500 to $3000 per month.These costs
were accumulated over a period when the Department of Ecology was requiring us to go from the old
side hill method to the trench method of sanitary land fill operation.The revenue received at the land
fill is about $150 a month for vehicle dumping refuse and the contractor receives a direct subsidy pay
ment of $300 a month from the County for maintaining land fill operations on Sunday.At the present
time the .City is subsidizing County solid waste disposal at a rate of somewhere between $1000 and
$1500 per month.He recommends that negotiations be initiated with the County concerning their pay
ing a fair share of the cost and we do a re-evaluation of sanitary land fill charges.
Mayor Skaug -Are these yardages on a month's computation?What is the cooperative basis that we
operate now.How is it taken care of,the cost of the County and the City?
City Engineer Weaver -The yardage is on a month's computation.A year ago they requested that the
land fill be kept open 7 days a week.Oir contract calls for a 6 -day week.They are making a $300
a month payment to the contractor for operation on Sundays.Other than that we are supposed to re-
coop our costs on land fill charges.
Councilman Hill -What do you mean -"we re-evaluate our land fill charges"?
Richard Weaver - I think they are too low,for the large commercial dumping especially.When they •
are running onions,they are running truck loads.The land fill charge should be'more.
City Manager Waggener - I think this type of use was not contemplated.A truck load of onions does
not compact where a normal home load will compact.
Councilman Johnson - Are we supposed to take care of this ?
City Manager Waggener - We are the only land fill in the area.The current standards are leaning
strongly to land fill -no open dumping.
Council Johnson - When these people bring a big truck load,who pays,the County or the City?
City Manager Waggener - The individual that is dumping pays,and as Mr.Weaver says,the charge
is not adequate.Several things have changed since our fee schedules were adopted.We used to take
care onions where we were filling in some of the potholes,but the Department of Game does not want
the potholes filled any longer, they serve as refuge pointsfor game.Due to the Department of Ecology
requirements we have gone into a very expensive trenching operation. Wehave submittedto the Depart
mentof Ecologyfor a solid waste management study grant.No action has been taken as yet.Sothe
study presumably goes through in 1973,therefore,implementation of sites,etc.,won't be before 1974,
or before anything can be done.
Councilman Boyle - How are we fixed for space at the site now?
City Engineer Weaver - About 6 to 9 years
Councilman Johnson - That is including the county's dumpingnow?
City Engineer Weaver - The 5500 yeardage rate,yes.
Councilman Johnson - I don't see where the Cityis obligatedto assume the largerload.
City Manager Waggener -They did not anticipate this large of a problem and had no way of knowingwhattheloadwas.We areat a point where we will definitely need to enter into negotiations with the
County where we will need to review our actual costs.
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September 28,1971
Councilman Johnson -What action to you need on this Mayor?
Mayor Skaug -It is apparent we enter into a discussion on this operation next month when their
contract comes up for renewal.
City Manager Waggener -We can certainly contact the County Commissioners very soon and can
anticipate a joint meeting with the Council and Commission-will be in order-
Mayor Skaug - I wonder if you could move along that line and get the meeting set?Thank you.
CASCADE PARK -REQUEST TO CALL FOR BIDS
Aletter was read from Richard L.Weaver,City Engineer,stating that he reviewed the work being //S/
done by Robert L.Woerner,Landscape Architect,on plans and specifications for the development of
Cascade Park and requests that plans for the sprinkler system be considered by the Council and per
mission given to call for bids.
Bill Skeels,Park &Recreation Director,presented the plans for the sprinkler system along with some
of the grading work to be done.He explained the first step of the department is to put in a sprinkler
system along the lake side including the boat launching area and to prepare the beach area for lawn.
The system will be fully automatic with pop-up sprinklers on an electrical control basis.
Councilman Ebbert - Are you going to pump out of the Lake?
Wm.Skeels -No,we are extending the water main and come off that for water for the entire park
development for this phase.We will be coming back .shortly for the other two phases for the dyking
and swimming area.
He went on to explain that we put off development for so long because leasing negotiations have
changed to where we plan to purchase it outright and are able to get matching funds through the IAC
and get an O.K.to purchasethis land.The appraisal for leasing is no longer valid and the State is
making another appraisal,and we could not justify putting in anything that would improve this property
that would probably raise the appraisal.We have recently been assured by letter that they are not
appraising any of the improvements,it will be only on the raw land.The only thing they will include
is Valley Road,so we can go ahead and start to develop.They also gave us a deferrment on our lease
payment which would be due in November,and have assured us the appraisal should be completed by
that time.Also if they renege,they will have to pay us the value of any improvements in the area.
Incidentally they are not appraising it recreational,they are going to appraiseit residential;it will pro
bably be outrageous.I don't think they are going to justify a high residential appraisal.We will Just
have to wait and see what happens.
Motion by Johnson that permission be granted to call for bids on the sprinkler system and grading work
for Cascade Park.Second by Lindell.Motion carried.
W DIVISION OF MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS - 1970 CITY OF MOSES LAKE AUDIT REPORT.
Each Councilman received a copy of this report.Charles Davenport,City Clerk-Finance Director,
asked if the Council had any questions regarding the report.In a short summarization he stated he i
thought it was a fine report,although they took some exception as to the method we used in one in
stance.It is all a matter of opinion;in one point they brought out our investment procedure.We in
vest our funds to the utmost,and in some instance it could show the fund in the red for a few days.
We earn approximately $35,000 a year from our investments,and actually if we are to operateas they
say,we could lose $3,000 to $4,000 a year.However,the statute is there and don't think we are
going to meet any problems on that.
Councilman Hill -Did you find the unidentified bond holders ?
Charles Davenport - Yes, they wewere issued with invalid coupons on it;an error bythe printerand
an error on our .part when we redeemed.the coupons before cashing it.It was due to a multiple of errors.
BUDGET CALENDAR -INFORMATION
The Budget Calendar for 1972 was presented.Mayor Skaug suggested that each Councilman take it .'Y'
with them,and there will be much discussion on it in October and November.
The City Manager stated that we are awaiting some guidelines regarding the President's wage and
price freeze.We will definitely be in a better position once we get some information and make changes
in the Budget.Then it is a matter of running the cards through the computer and getting a quick print out.
ACCEPTANCE OF CONTRACT NO. 71.01 -APPLEBY CONSTRUCTION CO.-WELL #10 PUMPHOUSE ,.__,,
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A letter was read from Richard L.Weaver,Public Works Director,stating that Appleby Construction
Company has satisfactorily completed their work for the construction of the Well #10 Pumphouse,
and recommended the City Council accept this job and begin the 30-day lien period.
Motion by Johnson;second by Boyle to accept the job and start the 30-day lien period.Motion carried.
ACCEPTANCE OF CONTRACT NO.71.02 -SHINN IRRIGATION CO.-WELL #10 PUMP
Aletter was read from Richard L. Weaver, Public Works Director, stating that Shinn Irrigation,Inc.,
has satisfactorily completed their work on Contract 71.02 forthe installation ofa pump in Well #10,
and recommended the City Council accept thl.s Joband begin the 30-day lien period.
Motion by Bdyle to accept the work and beginthe 30-day lien period.Second by-Hill.Motion carried.
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1649»September-28,1971
**Councilman Boylo -Going back to Item No.7(lncreasing speed limits on certain streets).
With the success we enjoyed in seemingly reducing the increase in speed on Sharon Avenue,would
recommend to instruct the City strictly enforce in the areas where the speed-limits are raised.These
are areas where there are a great number of small children goingto and from school.Would like to put
it in form ofa motion to have the Police Department tighten upon violaters in the areas where the speed
has been raised.
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City Manager Waggener askedto make a few comments before the Council made a decision.On acouplestreetswehadsomeconcernthat,frankly,the speed recommended is not high enough,and
this is on Pioneer Way and coming in onWest Broadway.I would like to beable toask for less
rigid enforcementand let the traffic flow, and then let us get our radar speed checks.
Councilman Boyle amended his motion toacceptthe City Manager's suggestion,but to consider that
one particular area of Peninsula Drive,and recommended that we instruct the City Manager to relate
tothe Police Chief to patrol the area on Peninsula Drive where the speed limit has increased and that
this speed limit be strictly enforced.Second by Ebbert.
Councilman Hill -Only stating that we are going at it backward again.That's why I voted against
the original motion.Raising the speed limit in a residentialarea and then you turn around and tell
the Police Department to enforce a higher speed limit.To me 30 mph through a residential area is not
a safe speed.I think my original statement,- a long time ago it should have been 25 mph.
Just stating my opinion.
City Engineer Weaver -The speed limits recommended are not based solely upon radar checks or speed
curves.Where thereare problems of sightdistance, accident records,opposing traffic movements and
congestion,the recommended speed has been arbitrarily reduced.
Councilman Boyle -The people on Sharon Avenue seem to be happy;theirtraffic problem has been
alleviated through strict enforcement.
CityManager Waggener -Yes,that is true;if we policed every streetas we have on Sharon Avenue
we would need to drastically increase our Police Department.
Question callecT-Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 10:06 P.M.
%!o^
)tto M3S\Mayor,Otto M J Skaug
ATTEST;
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