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1971 10 12COUNCIL MEETING - Regular Session October 12,1971 Council Chambers 8:00 P.M. Members present:Councilman Robt.E. Hill, W.B.Moe,Norman W.Johnson,Gordon M.Ebbert, Otto M.Skaug,Ernest V.Lindell and Michael Boyle. r—i Mayor Skaug calledthe meeting to order.Minutes ofthe previous council meeting of September 28, 1971,were approved as written upon a motion by Boyle;secondby Johnson.Motion carried. J REGULAR BILLS TOTAL AMOUNT PAID GENERAL "$4,667.50 STREET 3,480.93 ARTERIAL STREET 3„700.00 PARK 1,338.38 LIBRARY 581.89 URBAN ARTERIAL 66,440.43 WATER/SEWER 7,799.16 SANITATION 1,158.40 EQUIPMENT RENTAL 2,446.29 Motionby Moe, second by Lindell,that the regular bills be paid.Motion carried. Warrant No's.1207 through 1290 in the amount of $91,612.98 were approved for payment. ORDINANCE NO.631 -ZONE CHANGE FROM R-l to R-3 - Lots 16 &17.Block 1,LAKEVIEW TERRACE UNIT NO.1 The Ordinance was read by title only.Apublic hearing has been held on September 28,1971,regard ingthis zone chaaga,therefore, the provisions of Section 17,Ordinance No.474 werewaivedand the ordinance shall take effect immediately after passage and publication. Motion by Johnson that the ordinance be adopted;second by Hill.Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO.541 -AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR FUNDING ASSISTANCE FROM IAC FOR ^^ADDITION TO LARSON PLAYFIELD. A.letter was read from City Manager Chet Waggener,stating that the City Council, on June 21,1971, authorized permission to proceed with the appraisal ofthe property owned bythe Chicago,Milwaukee,I St. Pauland Pacific Railroad Company whichlies adjacent to Larson Playfleldas a preliminary step j before making formal application to the Inter-Agency Commission for Outdoor Recreation for funding j assistance for acquisition of the property. Because of the time limitation,a formal application has j been submitted to the IAC requesting approximately $32,000,of which the City's share would be $.8,000. It is necessary that the Council approve a Resolution authorizing formal application for funding.The City Manager requested approval of the accompanying Resolutionauthorizing himon behalf.of the City of Moses Lake to make application to the IAC for funding assistance. Resolution No.541 was read by title only. Councilman Ebbert - I take it this appraisal came within the $40,000 value? City Manager Waggener - The appraisal is approximately .$32,000. Mayor Skaug -That is in keeping with the footage price that othershave paid,such as the Pancake House, -talking about $30 front footage? Councilman Ebbert -Why is it necessary to generate $30,000? Park &Recreation Director,Bill Skeels -The application is for $32,000.The IAC will pay 75%and the City would pay 25%.The total price to us is,if the application is approved,would be $8,000. Councilman Hill -How is the area going to be used? Bill Skeels -This will extend the parking,and we will be able to plant trees in that area and have it serve many purposes.The trees will give shade and cut some sun from the batters'eyes.Also could ^J put a drinking fountain inthere,and also serve as an area where people cansit andwatch the games. We have in mind an access different from whatwehave now and a different parking area. Presently we do not plan for parking off Broadway. Councilman Moe - I think the entrance on Broadway should be considered for that playfleld because a lot of people in that area are a little unhappy about the heavy traffic there. 1650 //?a ///f 1651 ...October 12,1971 Council Minutes:2 October 12,1971 Bill Skeels - In our long range plans it would have to be paved.However,we plan to develop one-fourth of the undeveloped 4 acres of the present Larson Playfleld and the access would be off of Orchard and there would be no traffic generated on Texas,Peninsula or Russell Streets. Mayor Skaug - Do you plan to present a plan for utilization after it is acquired? Bill Skeels -Yes,we are. Mayor Skaug - I think that particular item can be brought up later then. Councilman Moe .-Can you compare the price of this property with the sale of Dogwood Park for $17,500?Can you make any kind of comparison? Bill Skeels - The proposed acquisition is 1044 by 100 feet,that is roughly 2.4 acres,and Dogwood Park was less than one-half acre.As far as the value,it would have to be Judged as to what it means to the people who are using it.Dogwood Park had big trees,and we will have to plant trees and it will take some time for them to grow. If we didn't buy it,and it being in a HighwayService zone, someone will buy it and probably put up a service station. Councilman Ebbert - Both prices were set by an appraiser who should know the value of the land a lot better than we do. Bill Skeels -The IAC allows 10%variance. Councilman Hill -Was any property sold out there recently? Pinky Middlebrook - I don't know off-hand,- but it seems awfully high.The Pancake House is right off the freeway,that makes a big difference in frontage. Mayor Skaug -It is contiguous to our City property. Bill Skeels -The Railroad came up with the first price of $80 a front foot,then came down to $30 a front foot. Councilman Johnson -We do have Larson Playfleld in there already,which is an advantage. Pinky Middlebrook - I think they are holding us up.If the City pays $30 a foot,you can bet your bottom dollar no one will get any for less,-and that being that far back from the freeway. City Manager Waggener -We had a qualified appraiser evaluate the property,and I certainly don't feel that we are qualified to second guess his appraisal by casual observation of a front footage cost without having made any of the studies of comparable sales having been made by the appraiser. Bill Skeels -The IAC frowns on anyone purchasing property for a much lower figure than what it is appraised. Councilman Moe -No,I don't think so.What if we come to an agreement with the Railroad for $20,000? Bill Skeels -The IAC would probably not consider it. City Manager Waggener -We had a real tough time with the IAC when we negoitated to get a lower figure,this happened on the Lower Peninsula Park. Councilman Ebbert - 'They are getting kind of free with our money. Bill Skeels - I don't think they are being free with our money,especially when the appraisal came in comparable with the final figure that the Railroad came up with.We have several pieces of correspondence with the Railroad where they started at $80 to $50 and then $30 a front foot,and that is what we figure we can buy it for. Councilman Moe -Who was the appraiser on this particular item? Bill Skeels -Dave Jones had been retained by us. MayorSkaug - Did Milwaukee Railroad accept his appraisal? BillSkeels - We cannot deal with the Railroadat all until we have some work done with the IAC. Councilman Ebbert -Can you goto the IAC and get a confirmation ofthe money before Milwaukee says they will sell it or not? Don't you have to have their say so? City Manager Waggener - IfMilwaukee says they won't sell, it will be off,then we are involved in coming back to you and back to the IAC. October 12,1971 1652 Council Minutes:3 October 12,1971 Councilman Hill - We are talking about $32,000,give or take.Maybe it would be good to have a second appraiser come in. Bill Skeels - I think we would be in a position to really confuse the issue.The IAC requires one appraisal and if that is comparable to whatthe Railroad will sell for, the IAC will accept and pay $24,000 and we will pay $8,000.I think we would Jeopardizeour position with the IAC,and at this point I don't think a second appraisal would do that much,and doubt if the Railroad would sell it for less than $30 a front foot. Councilman Moe - I agree with you,I don't think they will come down on their price. Councilman Ebbert -Is there a time limit? Bill Skeels - There is a time limit.They meet four times a year.In fact the Resolution would have to be signed and sent to them by this Thursday. Councilman Moe - I think if we realize we are taking a part of the sale of Dogwood Park and investing it in twice the area,it is really not too bad a deal if you look at it like that. Motion by Boyle recommending to authorize the City Managerto apply for funding assistance bythe IAC irregardless whether we are closer to the freeway. We have an established area we are trying to protect, and frankly, I cannot see they will accept less.Secondby Moe. Motion carried.Hill abstained. K & R ADDITION -FINAL PLAT Aletter was read from City Manager Waggener stating the proposed plat for K&RAddition has been //^jlfi presented to the Planning Commission fortheir consideration and a public hearing conducted on ' September 30,1971.The utilities are installed,and street improvements are in.The plan is basically a survey equivalent in area to two normal city lots.Becauseof its simplicity,the Planning Commission gave final approval and recommend final approval to the City Council,subject to filing of the appropriate fees. Motion by Hill to approve the K &RAddition Plat,subject to filing of the appropriate fees.Second by Johnson.Motion carried. CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY -WATER POLLUTION CONTROL PLANT OPERATOR -(Elden H.Eden) A letter was read from the Department of Social Health Services,Division of Health,stating that the Board of Certification for the State of Washington of the Pacific Northwest Pollution Control Associa tion announces that a Certificate of Competency,Group III,is being awarded to Elden H.Eden.He has successfully passed the written examination,which,together with his additional experience, qualifies him for the higher rating. Elden Eden is employed by the City as Assistant Sewage Treatment Plant Operator.Mayor Skaug pre sented the certificate and congratulated him for his continued interest in the program and his service to the community. DIVISION OF MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS -1970 WATER &SEWER UTILITIES AUDIT. A copy of comments from the Division of Municipal Corporations pertaining to the 1970 Water &Sewer Audit had been submitted earlier to each Councilman for information purposes only. Mayor Skaug commented that in reading the report he noted indications that our future rates will probably have to be increased in order to take care of our bond covenants. City Manager Waggener stated that after we have a full years'computer record,we will have to take another look at our rate structure,because we do not get enough money regarding our sewer rate to pay for the sewage treatment plant.He did not know whether water rates should be expanded.However, there is nothing immediately pressing at this time,but as we issue more revenue bonds,there will need to be additional revenue to cover the bonds. -\Councilman Moe -They don't appear to be too critical. City ManagerWaggener -There are some minor areas where we do not agre©with them on our accounting.procedure,but they are minor. /<D/<2 //3b 1653 1° S Council Minutes:4 October 12,1971' AWC REGIONAL MEETING -ELLENSBURG - OCTOBER 20,1971 -7:00 P.M. 0^Mayor Skaug mentioned that he hoped most of the Councilmen would be able to attend.Itis not a compulsory meeting, but it is a meetingthat is vital to our cities and hopedas many as possible could attend. 10? /PLANNING SEMINAR -NOVEMBER 20-21.1971 Mr.Rupeiks had previously discussed with the City Council andthe Planning Commission his willing- • ness to conduct a two-day Planning Seminar covering basic principles of the Comprehensive Plan. We have scheduled that Seminar to be held in the City Council Chambers on the week-end of November 20 and 21. Mr.Rupeiks will be volunteering his services for the Seminarwhich will consist of a combination of lectures,case studies and visual aids.It would be important for Planning Commission members to participate,and also because of future Planning involvement, it would be most desireable if the City Council would also be able to participate. Mr. Waggener mentionedthere will be additional information forthcoming regarding time schedule. xtf REQUEST BY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE -PERMISSION TO COVER PARKING METERS FOR MOSES LAKE |P VALUE DAYS -OCTOBER 15 &16,1971 ~~; A letter was read from Dick Robinson, Chamber of Commerce Manager,stating that the Business Division will conduct a two-day Value Days promotional Sale on October 15 and 16,1971,and requests permission from the City of Moses Lake to cover the parking meters throughout the business district during this promotional sale. Motion by Johnson that this request be granted;second by Boyle. Councilman Hill - This is hunting week and wonder what traffic would be like.Don't we have these about four times a year? Mayor Skaug -It would be interesting to find out how many times they have something like thi s scheduled per year. Motion carried. Councilman Hill - I would like to add something pertinent to this Chamber thing.I am concerned a little by the way the merchants place merchandise directly in front of the store and also at curb side, during the sidewalks sales,which makes sidewalk area openings in some instances less than 36 inches and some consideration should be given in accepting requests regarding future sidewalk sales. Mayor Skaug -Probably one particular side should be utilized to display merchandise,not both store side and curb side. Councilman Ebbert -Don't you think this is the duty of the Retail Trades Committee? Mayor Skaug -We can make provisos for granting this request to cover parking meters for the side walk sales. ¥ JUSTICE COURT DISTRICT COMMITTEE -Councilman Hill stated that-we lost 11 to 5 on establishing the District Judge in Moses Lake.Ephrata won the recommendation to establish it in Ephrata.The cases here would be so heavy it will be a tremendous problem for the clerical department to transport the records back and forth to Ephrata.Right now we have an aopeal before the Commission and will have a recommenda tion in a few days.There were a number of representatives of different towns who were not very well in formed regarding the plan,and at least fifty percent had made no decision. Councilman Moe -Regarding the article in our local paper referring to Miller Homes,Inc.,mentioned the fact that water and sewer linesare Just acrosstheroad. I see in checking it outthat it is more than ^ just across the road,maybe more like a mile.I just wanted to get that brought out.. MayorSkaug - That is not a consideration that we are taking up now.Miller Homesonly wanted our opinion on that. Councilman Moe - My opinion is,it is more than Just across the road. Mayor Skaug -Apparently it is not going to bea decision that the Council will have to make forat least some time in the future.. Ib54 Council Minutes:5 October 12,1971 Councilman Johnson -Is there any way we could possibly get a letter to the Railroad regarding //3/raising the railroad along the Lake.This was a promise - ifthe Lake level was established they would raise the bridge.Can't we as the Council push the promise to them ina letter? City Manager Waggener -Certainly we can make another contact with the Railroad.I sat in onseveralmeetingswherethisitemwasdiscussed,and my recollection was that Milwaukee Railroad stood fast on this.They cannot raise the railroad within the Peninsula area without redistributingallthetracks.I think in any event ifthe railroad itself cannot be raised,certainly even just enlarg ingthe bridge.It is worth making contact with the Railroad. Councilman Johnson -Possibly we could find the Irrigation District Minutes when it was promised by the Railroad. City Manager Waggener - I would be very pleased to call Pierce Davis of the Railroad and see what we can get started on this,and it would be very helpful if you could procure these minutes. Councilman Moe -Regarding the Fire Department situation.We are still a couple short./^L?/ City Manager Waggener -We are one short.We had a meeting with the Civil Service Commission this afternoon,but all the credit reports and physical examination reports are not in,and therefore,they could not set a date to meet because of the reports. Councilman Moe -What has been theresults from advertising in other city newspapers as well as local? City Manager Waggener -Three local applicants for fireman position and four from out oftown. Councilman Moe - Can youtell me when the two Commissions were formed into one? - the Fire Department andalso the Police Civil Service?We looked this up inthe book and it did notgive us any indication when these were formed. City Manager Waggener -The State law requires a Civil Service Commission for the Police Department, and whenwe added fulltime fire personnel, the same Commission was appointed to serve both entities. There are two ordinances that establish the Police Civil Service Commission and another ordinance establishing the Fire Civil Service Commission,but there is nothing says we have to have two Commissions; nothing says they cannot serve both departments. Motion by Hill to adjourn;second by Johnson. Meeting adjourned at 9:P.M. ,,,%l%;r /Gity Clerk,ChadezJDavenport s^ _Mayor,Otxp M.Skaug ATTEST;