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1968 04 23I 1262 COUNCIL MEETING -REGULAR SESSION 8 o'clock PM -City Hall April 23,1968 The City Council met in regular session with the meeting called to order by Mayor Tones.Present were:Monte Holm,Gordon Ebbert,Otto Skaug,Mayor Jones,Ernest Lindell and Michael Boyle.Jack Eng was absent. Minutes of the meeting of April 9 were approved by a motion by Otto Skaug, second by Dr.Lindell.Passed unanimously. BILLS General Library- Park Street Equipment Rental Water and Sewer Sanitation TOTAL AMOUNT PAID $5 559 86 2 439 45 335 .77 1 920 20 2 835 97 2 394 81 4 795 .57 Motion by Monte Holm to pay the regular bills.Second by Michael Boyle. Passed unanimously. Warrants No.477 through 570 in the amount of $20,281.63 were approved for payment. CERTIFICATE OF GRADUATION -BASIC LAW ENFORCEMENT SCHOOL -DAVID McNABB A letter was read from Mr.John Clarke,Executive Secretary of the Washington Law Enforcement Officers Training Commission in Olympia informing the Council that David Hugh McNabb of the local Police Department graduated from the 5 4th Basic Law Enforcement School at Olympic College,Bremerton,Vashington,with a grade of B.This is a cumulative grade based on written examinations,firearms,notebook, class participation,punctuality,cooperation and attitude.Mayor Tones presented a certificate of achievement to Officer McNabb,along with his personal congratulations . RESOLUTION INCREASING SPEED LIMIT ON PENINSULA DRIVE AND LAKESHORE DRIVE Resolution No.453 was read in its entirety.This Resolution increases the speed on Peninsula "Drive from Wanapum Drive to Pommer Street and Lakeshore Drive from Wanapum Drive to Pommer street to 35 miles per hour. The increase in speed was recommended by the Police Chief and the Public Works Director.Motion by Otto Skaug to increase the speed on these streets and to pass the Resolution.Second by Dr.Lindell.Passed unanimously. ORDINANCE AMENDING HIGHWAY SERVICE ZONE FIRST READING /as*/ This Ordinance was read by its title only.The Ordinance amends Ordinance No.433 "The Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of the City of Moses Lake" by adding a new subsection to the Highway Service (H-S)Zone classification permitting additional uses by special permit after public hearing and author izing conditions as a part of the special permit.This Ordinance adds a new section to Section 165 allowing open sales lots for the sale,rental,or display of fruit,vegetables,shrubbery,passenger automobiles,boats and house trailers by special permit from the Council after public hearing before the Commission. 1263 April 23,1968 It imposes conditions upon the special permit and gives a great deal of latitude. Motion by Monte Holm to accept the first reading of this Ordinance. Second by Michael Boyle. Mayor Jones said that a measure of control would be gained and this can only be done by being very careful about how the special permits are issued and to see that the agreement is maintained.£&j He felt that the Ordinance as written is all right but we should discuss much further with our City Attorney the method of contract ing with individuals before issuing any special permits. Passed unanimously. ORDINANCE -ZONE CHANGE -R1S to HS -FIRST READING \q0 A letter from the City Manager was read recommending to the City Council that Mrs.Storms'request for a zone change for her property from R1S to HS be granted.He stated that the City Council is also required to conduct public hearings on an ordinance for change of zone classification and suggested that May 14 be set as the date for public hearing and possible adoption of the ordinance. Moved by Otto Skaug to accept the first reading of the Ordinance and to set the Public Hearing for May 14.Second by Dr.Lindell.Passed unanimously. ORDINANCE -WATER AND SEWER CONNECTION CHARGES -SECOND READING o1 y 5 Ordinance No.580 amending Chapter 9.2 of the Municipal Code regarding the municipal water and sewer system of the City of Moses Lake,Washington,relating to connections thereto and charges for those connections,was read by this title.It was the second reading of the ordinance. Motion by Dr.Lindell to accept the ordinance.Second by Monte Holm.Passed unanimously. CIVIL RIGHTS -DISCUSSION ^D Mayor Jones noted the presence of Ernest Fields and stated that as \y Mr.Fields had brought to the attention of the Council some things which he feels are not quite right in the community he had been doing some looking around since that time.In search of more information he had asked Mr.Boyle to contact two of his friends from a minority group in town.Mr.Lupe Alamos and Mr.Leo Ruiz were present at the meeting as well as Mr.Fields.The Mayor said that his findings on the establishing of a Human Relations Committee were not altogether satisfactory.They have no authority to do anything.He asked for expressions from others as well as Mr.Fields as to whether such a Committee is needed.Mr.Alamos was asked if he felt there had been quite a bit of a problem with jobs and discrimination in choosing people for jobs.Mr.Alamos said No.If a man is qualified for a job he is accepted,if he is not qualified,he is not.He has talked to quite a few and they feel the same way about it. April 23,1968 1264 Mr.John Smith was present and was asked for his opinion.He stated that there was a Human Relations Council in McMinnville, Oregon and throughout the State of Oregon and that he was President of the Council in McMinnville.He earnestly stated that they are of some benefit,particularly in this day and time. Wherever you have black people you have problems.The problem may be under the surface.The Council can only do as much as the people involved support it.Noted that the mere mention of a Human Relations Council in Moses Lake created fear.It is misinterpreted.If these Commissions don't do •—•anything else they certainly foster communications.This is lacking here.He reiterated that "wherever you have black people you have a problem ." The Mayor thought perhaps we could prepare an Ordinance that would give a Human Relations Committee as much latitude as possible to do the job and would like to be very careful in the selection of people to serve on the Committee.He asked for comments from other councilmen. In answer to a question from Councilmen Ebbert about whether the Human Relations Committee is a National organization Mr.Smith said that it is local with a State head.It acquaints people with the history and problems of minority groups .Mr.Ebbert asked if it is needed here and Mr.Smith said it was.Mr.Holm said that the negro people he has talked to feel there should be a committee of some kind. Mr.Smith offered to get a copy of the program. Mr.Fields was asked for his comments.Mr.Fields said he wanted the City Council to be this Committee.He said the only honorable thing for them to do is to resign if they cannot live up to their campaign promises.That the white power structure pushes him back.Said that the Council did not care about the negro.Within 6 0 days he wanted two negroes employed by the City of Moses Lake.Said he would bring force if the Council wanted it.The power structure has to resolve problems now.Said he gave the City Manager an article -his last - because he can't waste his time coming to these meeting.Negroes are given welfare for not hoeing beets.Pointing to Mr.Alamos,he said "You picked this fellow out and he comes and speaks -he speaks for the power structure.I want to make a living.I keep telling you these things . You were very busy,you don't have time for your job.You have a private business which you must take care of.You must meet an income tax deadline.You said you have been working 12 hours a day.This is your business -to give me an hour of your time.You took time out and I appreciate it.We cannot take up these people's time.I challenge you people to set the example -you set the pace.I want you to invite me into your home once a year and say you like negroes .You say there is no discrimination at the Country Club.You need three people of the white power structure to vote you in to the Country Club.I have been here seven years . I had to go to Soap Lake and Othello to play golf.We used to have Friendship Day for the Armed Forces and citizens -let's have the Job Corps today and maybe take in Soap Lake .Take the Eagles I ,Building.The City has the funds -let's bring the children together. It is a thing of beauty to see people in harmony.Don't try to pacify me - give me action.I had to write to Governor Evans . I asked him to reply to Mayor Jones . I would like to see bus service between Westlake, Wheeler and Larson.I want to see homes.The white power structure will move in.I am ready.I have people that are ready.There are those less fortunate than us .Look in your mirror tonight -if you like what you see then my task is in vain.Why was I offered a job with the Poverty Program?I refused the job because I could not speak.I could not afford to do this.I had to sacrifice.You sacrifice.If you do this for me you will find a better community.We don't want any segregated communities around us.I go to the State Park,I ride around the town 1265 April 23,1968 and I don't want to run into any mud holes.There are opportunities in Moses Lake.Don't put us behind.Put us in front.Mexicans have the same problems.I will call him a liar if he says he does not have any problems. Mayor Jones reminded Mr.Fields that he was a citizen of the country just the same as he was and as such has a responsibility just like he has .Told him not to threaten this town with violence. Mr.Fields said he is violent and he will be. Mr.Skaug said that we have a problem.It is not an acute problem. It is a chronic problem.There is a difference.A chronic ailment with a person sometimes takes longer to recover from than does an acute illness.This is a chronic problem.The healing process is not some thing we can legislate tonight as you demand. Positive action was demanded by Mr.Fields.Mr.Skaug said it cannot be the solution. Mr.Smith said that much has not come to light and it should be brought to light through some method and this would be a great step toward a solution. Mr.Fields said if you want violence I will give you violence.If this is what it takes I will get it to you.Said he would go to every jail in this country to make the council see the light.He wants to resolve the situation.Read the paper tomorrow,he said.Gave his name -Fields - telephone number 5-4344.Address 1234 Terrace Drive. He said to tell the person who is calling his house and saying "Nigger" get out of town -just "send the money and I'll leave.I gave you a chance,Mayor lories Mayor Jones.You have made me mad and I thank you for this.I have been stopped many times by the police since the last meeting.This is part of the power structure.Mr.Smith can be pacified and I will not be at any more meetings.The next time you hear from me you will hear about it.I came and tried to resolve the situation and you throw it in my face.I think you should resign. Dick Deane,athletic coach at Moses Lake High School,cited a recent track meet where a baseball game was stopped so the players could watch one runner from Moses Lake compete in a meet between Moses Lake,Ephrata and Kennewick.The boy is a negro.Mr.Deane said this boy has 100 per cent respect from the students in Moses Lake.He has gained this respect by his actions.He is totally accepted by the community.He suggested that the younger generation is the one to look to and that Mr.Fields should check into the education that is being given the kids locally. Being black is not keeping them from receiving an education. Mr.Don Barnett asked to be heard.He said he was from Chicago.Is now with the Poverty Program.Said from what he has heard there are I problems here.We all have problems.If Mses Lake has problems you are not going to have an answer tonight.It will have to be discussed -^ as to what is the best way to get the job done.Suggested that everyone is wearing emotions too close to their skin.Find the problem and find a way.Said he has yet to be discriminated against in Moses Lake. Does not want this area to become a Chicago or Detroit.Before any solution can be reached we must understand each others feelings.We must be reasonable people.Black and white. u April 23,1968 1266 Mayor Jones offered an apology for speaking harshly and to say that he had lost his temper.Said he would like to start this Commission and work right with it.Did not feel the Council should be the Commission.It should be a group to inform the Council of what is wrong and what could be done about it. Mr.Fields said he had never seen any results of talking.Mr. Smith said that cooler heads must prevail.He said that you do not call a negro man a "boy"as it is degrading. The Mayor said he thought the Commission was the way to go.We will start that way. The City Manager asked the Mayor if he would like an ordinance prepared for the next meeting.The Mayor suggested that we could move toward members of the Commission.Could start learning even before we get the thing in final form.It will take time to get it started. Mr.Skaug said it would not be the panacea for all the ills.Anything that is chronic is going to have to have time for healing.Steps can be taken to correct the illness.Recognition is the first thing.We can go from there. PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION REGARDING ZONE CHANGE FROM Cl-Ml Z/9-O A letter from Chester L.Waggener,City Manager,was read recommending that the zone be changed for the entire block where the American Oil Company station is located from CI to Ml,allowing rebuilding of the station and providing a logical continuance of the Ml zone to Alder Street.Dr.Lindell said that the Planning Commission had been shown pictures of the proposed new station and it would definitely make the area better and they would like to get started as soon as possible. Moved by Otto Skaug that an Ordinance be prepared.changing the zone from CI to Ml to Alder Street.Second by Dr.Lindell*Passed unanimously. PLANNING COMMISSION REQUEST TO WAIVE HEARING RESTRICTIONS FOR ZONE CHANGE! //pa A letter from the City Manager was read requesting permission from the City Council to waive the restriction on hearings for zone changes limiting them to twice yearly until such time as requests for zone changes become too numerous for the Planning Commission to handle as a part of their regular business. Motion by Gordon Ebbert to grant this request.Second by Monte Holm. Passed unanimously. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE REQUEST TO COVER PARKING METERS FOR CRAZY DAYS Mr.Herman Ohland,a member of the Chamber of Commerce Retail /''•$ SJv Division,requested that the dates of May 17 and 18 be reserved for Crzay Days and that the parking meters be covered for those days. Motion by Monte Holm to grant the request.Second by Michael Boyle. Passed unanimously. LARSON PLAYFIELD DEDICATION • Aletter was read from Mr.William Skeels,Park and Recreation Director,^ informing the Council that Larson Playfield will be dedicated Saturday, April 27,immediately following the Youth Baseball Parade. This day will also mark the kick-off of a fund raising drive by Youth Baseball 1267 April 23,1968 toward development of this new facility,located between Peninsula School and West Broadway. OPEN HOUSE AT CENTRAL RECREATION CENTER A letter from William Skeels was read regarding the open house at Central Recreation Center on April 3 0 at 7:3 0 PM to give both school and city officials an opportunity to see the progress made in recreation in Moses Lake through the cooperative efforts of the School District, City Government and citizen groups such as the Recreation Council. Gordon Ebbert gave credit to Sally McLanahan for the good job she has done. MAYOR TO BE ABSENT FOR MEETING OF MAY 14 The Mayor announced that he would be absent for the meeting of May 14 and asked that a Mayor pro tern be designated at this meeting. Moved by Monte Holm to nominate Gordon Ebbert.Second by Michael Boyle.Passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned. j^;(Uhcc l yor ATTEST: /City Clerk