1973 05 22_
COUNCIL MEETING -Regular Session
Council Chambers
May 22,1973
8:00 P.M.
18 33
Members Present:-Councilman Robt.E.Hill,Gordon M.Ebbert,Otto M.Skaug and Michael Boyle.
Councilmen W.B.Moe,Norman W.Johnson and Ernest V .Lindell were absent.
Invocation -Rev.Larry Evans,Seven Day Adventist Church.
Mayor Skaug called the meeting to order and called for approval of the minutes of the previous meeting
of May 8,1973.Motion by Boyle that the minutes be approved as written.Second by Ebbert.Motion carried.
REGULAR BILLS
PUND
GENERAL
STREET
ARTERIAL STREET
UREAN ARTERIAL
WATER/SEWER
SANITATION
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
TOTAL AMOUNT PAID
$20,821.45
5,010.59
77.24
708.62
8,313.35
8,283.69
973.84
Motion by Hill that the regular bills be paid as submitted.Second by Boyle.Motion carried.
Warrant No's.4379 through 4468 in the amount of $44,188.78 were approved for payment.
CONSIDERATION OF BIDS -ABANDONED &JUNK VEHICLES
A letter was read from Police Lt.Wayne Baker stating that bids for the removal of junk vehicles and
abandoned vehicles were opened on May 16,1973.Moses Lake Auto Wrecking's bid was low,quoting
$10.09 plus sales tax for removal of vehicle junk and vehicle hulks;$10.00 plus sales tax for towing,
'storage,disposing of abandoned vehicles.He recommended accepting Moses Lake Auto Wrecking's
low bid.
Motion by Hill to accept the bid of Moses Lake Auto Wrecking.Second by Boyle.Motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO.-S9-9--WATER &SEWER REVENUE BONDS(2nd reading).
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The ordinance was read by title only,providing for the issuance and calling for the sale of Water &Sewer
Revenue Bonds 1973,in the principal amount of $1,100,000.00.Also the bid opening date for sale of bonds
has been established in the ordinance as 2:00 o'clock,June 26,1973.
Motion by Ebbert to adopt the second reading and pass the ordinance.Second by Boyle.Motion carried.
ORDINANCE -MARINA DRIVE VACATION
A letter was read from the Community Development Director,Larry Hibbard,stating that a Public Hearing '
was held before the Council on March 13,1972 to consider the vacation of a portion of Marina Drive at the
request of Payrolls Unlimited.The vacation is to permit better use of land which is to be developed for a
resort-mocel convention facility.The Planning Commission recommended that the street be vacated subject
to the rededication of another right-of-way to serve lots 66,and 126 - 130 (State Property)of the Battery
Orchard Tracts.This rededication has been the reason the vacation has been held up.
Hosts of America,the developer,is now proposing that a private easement for access be established rather
than a dedicated easement.This proposal is reasonable if the private easement can be recorded prior to the
second reading of che ordinance.He noted that letters from the developer and the State Highway Department
stating their positions will be available.
The Public Works Director stated that the Highway Department does not have a letter in;some of the staff
at the District Office were under the impression that transfer of the property was being made and needn't
have Input.Under law there is hardly any way this property can be transferred within less than six months.
The Highway Department thinks that the method suggested by Larry Hibbard is fine.They will get together
"with the developer before the second reading of the ordinance to negotiate an agreement.He suggested
that the City Council consider this the first reading subject to a recorded agreement or a rededication be on
file before the second reading is passed.That will fulfill our obligation that there will not be land-locked
property,and it will also help the developer to proceed with their plan.
Motion by Hill to adopt the first reading of the ordinance subject to the contingency be fulfilled betweer.
the Highway Department and the developer.Second by Ebbert.Motion carried.
Councilman Hill stated he v/ould like to go on record that he has no conflict of interest in the project,
and since there v/ere only four concilmen at this meeting,didn't feel he should abstain from voting,although
he has worked hard for the last five years participating in civic groups in procuring a convention resort-motel
convenrion center for Moses Lake.
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A letter was read from City Manager Chet Waggener stating that a proposed agreement for engineering
services for water and sewage facilities is being submitted from Stevens,Thompson &Runyan,Inc.which
provides a listing of the projects for which we propose STR provide engineering services.Also included is^
a tabulation of elements to be completed by the City of Moses Lake engineering staff,along with a copy
of the estimated cash flow for the Knolls Vista and Broadway sewer project.
He requested authorization to sign the accompanying agreement with STR on behalf of the City of Moses Lake
and to'issue a "Notice to Proceed"for Elements A, B,C.and D of the agreement.He noted that elements
E and F of the agreement are not proposed at this time.Article 2 of the agreement provides "no work in any
element shall begin until the engineers are given a written "Notice to Proceed",and the scope of work out
lined in detail."Prior to issuing a "Notice to Proceed"on additional elements,he will return to Council
for specific approval.Bill Amble and Dirk Van Woerden were present representing STR.
The Public Works Director commented that usually what the City staff cannot handle,such as in project
design beyond their expertise,Consultants are asked to come in and give us assistance.The proposal that
exists,gives to STR either the items that require special expertise or that are large enough to turn the project
over to them,when they can efficiently handle the job much better than our limited staff.
Obligations for STR are Element A -Operational Analysis of Water System.This is to look at the three
zones in the water system and see in some way to better balance the pressure in the three zones of the
system.
Element B -Groundwater Study -Review and analysis of existing well water level data;withdrawal rates
for existing wells and determination of best location andcepths of required future wells.
Element C -Knolls Vista'and Broadway Interceptor Sewer Facilities.The lift station that will take sewage
to the treatment plant and relieve the main lift station,which is old and overloaded.
Element D -Water Storage Reservoir Improvements.The improvement program specified regarding the prelimi
naries on the water tanks at the Base .We propose to oversee the painting of the tanks at the Base.Also
the reservoirs at the Base and in town need modifications for safety.These modifications will be included
in this element.
The elements to be completed by the City of Moses Lake Staff are items very important to the operation of
the system,but.in detail are very difficult to write in a contract.Element G and Element H are infiltration/
inflow analysis and the Eastlake Relay Interceptor Sewer.Element I,follows after completion of the Knolls
Vista Interceptor and Lift Station and will have a better idea what is needed at the main pumping station.
Element J -is the Winona Pump Station improvements.STR v/ill be involved such as reviewing our pump
sizing,wet well sizing,and in some of the areas which are considered specialized.
Councilman Hill commented on the use of Consultants,that perhaps adding a few extra people on the Engineer
ing Staff would justify a lot of expenses we are paying out to outside engineering firms.The Public Works
Director replied that in fact we are bringing Ron Baker back after he obtains his Engineering Degree and v/ill
be with us by August.Also since 1970 we have expanded our staff a little bit each year a'-.d we have picked
up a significant amount of work since then.The only alternative,however,would be to build another another
building about three times larger than what we have for what we have to do.Also we would have to staff up
for short periods at times.The people coming on board know that means we will have to pay significantly
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Council Meeting -Minutes:2 May 22,1973
WATER RIGHTS -STATUS REPORT I I
A letter was read from Richard L.Weaver,Public Works Director,stating that we have received a report
from the Department of Ecology Investigation on our permits to appropriate water through the Lakeview
Terrace,the City Hall and the five wells at Larson.We find that two clouds still exist on these water
rights.
A statement contained in all three reports that we would like the Council"to be aware of,says in essence,
"Within the confines of the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project all water rights are being issued subject to
the findings of the special study that is underway that will determine the ownership of the water and the
amount of water that is available for appropriation in the project area."On completion of this report,
which was originally due to be completed in December,1972, but now has no definite scheduled completion
date,the Department of Ecology will issue water rights certificates.
According to the Water Resources Act of 1971,all water rights claims filed under that Act will have to be
decided after the 1974 closing date for filing claims.The significance of this action is shown by the fact
that a favorable judgement would change the effective date of our rights from 1973 to 1956 en the Lakeview
Terrace well to 1957 on the City Hall v/ell and to 1941 through 1959 on the Larson wells.
In order to provide a strong position for the City on our water rights and claims,the implementation
schedule for the five year Water and Sewer Capital Improvements Program places the ground water study
in a position of high priority and it should be started immediately.
This report was submitted to City Councii for information purposes and requires no action.
WATER &SEWER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATIONS SCHEDULE
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Council Meeting -Minutes:3 May 22,1973
higher wages because they will not have a long term job.In turn we would have to pay higher wages to
the staff we have.So I think in the long run we are far better off if we send the overflow to Consultants,
Hill remarked that perhaps in applying for funds It would be best to submit the consulting firms'figures.
Motion by Boyle that the request be granted and authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement with
STR on behalf of the City of Moses Lake and to issue a "Notice to Proceed"for Elements A,B,C and D
of the agreement.Second by Ebbert.Motion carried.
PARKING STUDY -CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT
A letter was read from the Public Works Director stating that Ron Baker,with assistance from the City //O""
Engineering Staif,the Washington State Highway Department and Washington State University,has been
conducting a parking study in the Central Business District core.Presently he is prepared to make a
status report on the parking study.This is an informational item and requires no action by the Council.
Ron Baker stated that,he is completing a degree in Civil Engineering at Washington State University and
as a special project asked to do this parking study.With the preliminary data gathered,the City of Moses
Lake wiJl probably use some of this data in the future to solve some of the problems here.
A parking study depends largely on the size of a city and what the objectives are.There is the parking
inventory that is available to the public,and the oarking demand the public has need for where and when
they want to park.Legal,financial and administrative factors bearing on a parking situation,are all
things that must be considered.
The Moses Lake data is confined to the Central Business District,going outside of the core just a little
bit and basically covered only two phases,that of inventory and period of usage in the downtown area.
The downtown area was cordened off and a traffic count taken over a two-day period.The study counted the
cars parked both on or off-street during this period.A summary made during the dayfon a Wednesday),2100
•cars went through the CBD,only 40%parked in the downtown area,the others went right on through.
With the use of the overhead projector he pointed out the area of the core of the CBD where we presently
have parking meters and also off-street parking,which is all pr:vate parking.Some of the off-street
parking is used for employee parking,but a large part is used for public parking at the present time.
We rave a total of 1550 parking spaces in the downtown area being used.Of that total 60%is off-street
and 40%is along the curb line.
He presented tables taking data from Moses Lake and compared with cities throughout the nation of
comparable size,and the percentage of available off-street parking far exceeds that of other cities,
indicating that as future building construction occurs,any parking problem now existing will compound.
However,he noted that during the last 10 years,most new businesses in Moses Lake have constructed
off-stree*-parking.
A national study showed that people do not want to walk over 300 feet to get to a store.If they have to
walk over that they will go outside the area to shop.
Also what will need to be done is a study of Illegal parking and evaluation as to how many people are
plugging money into the meters all day,and perhaps the two-hour limit on our meters will need to be
changed.
Ron mentioned that data he has accumulated has been keyed into the Systems 3 computer and at the
present time the program is in debugging,and hopes to complete percentages.He offered no conclusion
at this time and intends to go into more detail in the computer portion.
In concluding his reDort,he introduced Professor E.G.Erickson,who specializes in traffic studies
at Washington State University.Prof.Erickson commented that Ron is a very ambitious student to take
on such a study,and that he put in a tremendous amount of time into this study,and credited him for
his background'and very definite maturity;otherwise he would never have permitted him to undertake
this study.
Mayor Skaug thankcriRon Baker for the presentation of the parking study and noted that it has been
accomplished as a requirement for his degree.Any future study will be done after August 1,when he
will be on the City Engineering Staff and will then have quite a head start.
ELDER STREET -REQUEST TO RECONSIDER STREET VACATION -,
A letter was read from the City Manager stating that L. E.Thompson,of Red Top International,requested
reconsideration of a previous decision by the City Council to not vacate that portion of Elder Street between
Broadway and Commercial Avenues.Mr.Thompson's letter was also read to that effect,and proposes that
a payment be made to the City equal to one-half of the appraised value of the property.
Should the Council wish to reconsider their opinion,appraisals will be made and an ordinance ready for
consideration at the next regular meeting.
Mr.Thompson was not present,therefore,City Manager Waggener commented that Mr.Thompson approached
him on this,and only explaining his discussion with him. Mr.Thompson is of the feeling that the street
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Council Meeting -Minutes?4 MaV 22-1S?3
will remain a gravel street for years and years,and no paving by the City through LID through the abuttingpropertyowners,and that trying to-keep his equipment free from dust is a problem,and feels :
icauire the property andpave it later,than constantly cleaning the dust frorrbelessexpensive to acquire the property andpave it later,than constantly cleaning the dust from the equipment.
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Councilman Ebbert inquired if he needed extra parking space?The City Manager replied,he only mentioned
dust in his conversation.
Councilman Hill stated he voted against vacation of a portion of Elder previously,and one of these days
the City is going to need the street for access purposes, and it should be retained for future development.
He made a motion to turn down the request for vacation of a portion of Elder Street.Second by Boyle.
Motion carried.
COMMUNITY DAY - REPORT ON PLANNED ACTIVITIES.
\'lh Bill Skeels,Park &Recreation Director,stated that about three months ago the subject of another Community
r Day was brought upand the Council approved it for this year. It was also suggested that the Park &Recreation
Commission appoint the Committee to handle-the organization of it and appoint their own chairman.
Nancy Wolff was introduced who originally proposed Community Day for the first time last year.She is
Chairman of the Policy Committee this year,and presented the Community Day Policy to the Council.
Mary Cunnlngton,Chairman of Events Committee presented slides of the event last year,which was a
tremendous success.She also briefly listed the events planned this year.
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CITY COUNCIL ROOM -PROPOSED PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM
PjV Aletter was read from City Manager Chet Waggener,stating that he is submitting a proposal from Evco
Sound and Electronics of Spokane for furnishing materials and installation of a public address system for ,
the City Council Room. If approved by the City Council,the installation can be completed within approxi
mately four weeks from the date of order.He stated Evco was highly recommended by local contractors.
The proposed system will cost approximately $2000.It is not mandatory the city call for bids on items under
$5000.
'The Council concurred with the proposal,with the exception of an additional speaker perhaps for the City /
Attorney and a lavaliere type microphone be furnished for use of staff members while making presentations.
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Motion by Hill to procure the equipment from Evco Sound &Electronics of Spokane at the designated price
and to include the lavaliere type microphone.Second by Boyle.Motion carried.
GARDEN HEIGHTS SEWER v
A letter was read from Public Works Director,Rich Weaver,stating that at the regular Council meeting of
July 25,1972,the Council accepted a cash payment from the original platter of Garden Heights %2 Addition
of $5,000 relieving them of any further responsibility to install sewer lines from Division Street to the Plat.
He stated a large number of the lots in this addition are owned bythe City as a result of LID foreclosures.('
We have received several inquiries concerning purchase of these lots.He proposed proceeding with in->>,
stallation of the sewer line in October 1973 with engineering using City staff,with construction to begin,
in January 1974.He requested the Council approve this schedule and that the Budget for this project will
be presented as part of the revision to the Water &Sewer Budget needed to implement the Five Year Capital
Improvements Program.
Councilman Hill inquired whether this expenditure will increase the value of the lots to get our money back.
The Public Works Director replied that this is the only way we can make them of any value.The Cxty staff
would do all the design work and let out on construction contract.It will consist of approximately 1400 feet
of sewer line.The laterals were put in with the LID and the only thing remaining is hooking up the laterals
with the trunk,-which will come out on 9th and Division.
Motion by Boyle that this request be granted.Second by Ebbert.Motion carried.
REQUEST TO CALL BIDS -FIRE TRUCK
A letter was read from Fire Chief,Russ Beeman,stating that plans and specifications have been prepared
for the purchase of one 1500 gallon per minute pumping engine to replace one 750 GPM pumping engine that
has been in service since 1951.He requested permission to call for bids on a new pumping engine in accor
dance with specifications as submitted to Council.If granted,bid opening would be on June 20,i973.
Fire Chief Beeman presented a picture to the council of the type of truck planned to purchase.All firemen
reporting to a fire will be riding in the front part of the truck.Safety is one of the reasons for this change
and expects that it will soon be a requirement.We did have an incident where one of cur people were thrown
off the tailgate.The color requested in the specs will be white,also diesel is requested and standard transt
mission.Automatic transmission is available for about $4,000 additional.The estimated cost is within
$50,000 to $65,000.The capacity requested will put us over the capacity needed,while the 750 GPM pumper
gave us a deficiency rating.
There was some discussion as to what to do with the old pumping engine,whether to trade it in or keep
it and if so to keep on hand for reserve whether housing would be available.Chief Beeman stated that
estimated delivery on the new pumping engirfe-would be 13 to 14 months and so we have better than a year
to make up our minds regarding the present engine.
Motion by Hill to grant the request to call for bids on a new fire pumping engine.Second by 3oyle.
Motion carried.
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Council Meeting -Minutes:5 May 22/1973
REQUEST TO CALL BIDS -FLUSHER TRUCK
The Public Works Director forwarded for approval and action by the City Council specifications for /C
purchase of a replacement street flusher,and requested approval of the specifications and permission
to call for bids.
Rich Weaver explained,the specifications are written with Alternate A-to provide 300 feet of 1"hose.
The street flusher is used heavily by three divisions - two divisions of the Public Works Department,
and the Fire Department uses it as a tanker. Alternate Bprovides for a cab control remote 200 GPM
sprav nozzle mounted on front of the truck whichallows the truck to set back from the intersection
while washing and cleaning an intersection.Seems the only reasonable alternative for cleaning inter
sections.Other than that it is a normal street flusher of 2200 gallon size.The approximate cost for
the flusher is approximate".y $20,000.Delivery would be about 90 to 120 days.
Councilman Ebbert inquired as to why such a big engine in the truck,and also,does it require a different
tank?Rich Weaver replied that a 2200 gallon truck with all the new pollution control devices -well,we
were not sure the next size would do the job.Regarding the old tank,it is almost rusted through,and it
would not be large enough.
Motion by Boyle to grant the request to call for bids.Second by Hill.Motion carried.
REQUEST TO CALL BIDS -SEWER JET
The Public Works Director submitted specifications for Council approval-and permission to call for bids /C
for the ourchase of a Hydraulic Sewer Cleaner to be paid out of the Sewer Fund. The original budget re
quest in the 1973 Budget was based on the purchase of a trailer-mounted cleaner.Detailed studies have
shown that this was a poor choice and that we should purchase a truck-mounted sewer jet with 1000 or
1200 gallon water storage tank.He requested approval of the specifications that will require the purchase
of a vehicle costing more than originally budgeted,and the revised budget including this item will be pre
sented as part of the budget revisions necessary to implement the Five Year Capital Improvement Program.
He stated the specifications are written with an Alternate A -providing a portable control station.
Alternate B -provides that a demonstration machine may be acceptable.He also noted that this sewer
jet will not replace our sewer rodder,it will be used in conjunction with it.
Motion by Boyle that the request be granted.Second by Skaug.Motion carried.
REQUEST TO CALL BIDS - L.I.P.No.27 .,yn .
The Public Works Director presented to Council plans and specifications for the Local Improvement District
-No.27 to pave,grade,install storm drainage,sidewalk and curb on Knolls Vista Drive from Pine Drive to
Ridge Road.He requested approval of the plans and specifications and permission to call for bids.
Councilman Hill noted that regarding the closure of Pine Drive,he thought it was going to be used for park
ing and an extension of the ball park area.There was some discussion regarding the parking area and en
trance to make it more accessable to the Little League ball fields.Also as a safety factor by allowing no
parking on Knolls Vista to Pine Drive on one side for sight clearance.
City Manager Waggener requested that along that line perhaps requesting approval of plans for the LID only,
and have Rich Weaver and Bill Skeels work out a plan to be presented at the next Council meeting as to how
the Pine Drive property is to be outlined,and then present that for the Council's consideration.
Motion by Hill'to grant the request with the exception of the Pine Drive curbing to be worked out at a later
date.Second by Boyle.Motion carried.
FEDERAL REVENUE SHARING -PLANNED USE REPORT
A letter was rc£d from the City Manager,stating the City of Moses Lake must publish and report to the
Federal Government a plan for the expenditure of the estimated Revenue Sharing allocations to the City
of"Moses Lake in the amount of $109,324 for the period January 1,1973 through June 30, 1973. He has
completed the rederal form required based upon the 1973 budget that v/as adopted by the City Council.
This shows the capital expenditures under environmental conservation of $4,125.This is for purchasing
radios for the Public Works Department.It shows an expenditure of $78,840 for public safety;this is
for the purchase of parking meters,for a fire truck and a radio for the Building Inspector,the remainder
of $26,359 is shown as a reserve for the purpose of erecting a Municipal Complex.This report has to
be filed prior to June 20,1973.
Councilman Hill asked for an explanation of 'Municipal Complex'?City Manager Waggener stated that
wo should engage an architect to do some design work for public safety facilities with an alternate for
City Hall facilities.- So we aren't committed to build a new city hall or a new recreation building at this
point.We are putting a reserve aside and can be limited to just public safety buildings and each to have
a purpose and title.
Motion by Ebbert to submit the report as outlined.Second bv Boyle.Motion carried.
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Council Meeting -Minutes:
MISCELLANEOUS _Miiiw«rH Assistant Park &Recreation
$&£££«*^X^tT.tS^—^cnoo!sys.en,Here and then on .
Meeting adjourned at 10:45 P.M.
"MAYOR - Otto M.Skaug
(tty Clerk -Charles uave^poil
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