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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/14/2015 - City Council - City Council Meeting Minutes - Steven C LacyREGULAR SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL CONVENED MAYOR STEVEN C. LACY, PRESIDING APRIL 14, 2015 6:30 P.M. ROLL CALL Mayor Steven C. Lacy Councilmember George Buckner Councilmember Wayne Barnhart Councilmember Chuck Johnson Councilmember Harry Raab Councilmember Tim Detering Councilmember Frank Collings Councilmember Sandra McCourt — Arrived at 6:34 p.m. EMPLOYEES IN ATTENDANCE Police Chief Randy Harrison City Clerk Dana Barnard Community Development Director Lori Barnett City Attorney Devin Poulson Finance Director Nick Gerde Public Works Director Greg Pezoldt Executive Secretary/Accounting Assistant Teresa Allen Events Coordinator Dan White Clerical Assistant Shawn Murison PRESENTATION(S) "Bring the Change" anti -panhandling campaign — Steve King, City of Wenatchee Community Economic Development Director, and Brooklyn Holton, City of Wenatchee Housing and Community Planner. Steve King gave an overview of the campaign, stating the effort is being driven by complaints from the public and businesses who perceive there to be a growing problem of aggressive panhandling. He said, after speaking with City Attorney Devin Poulson about panhandling and First Amendment rights, they decided to call the campaign a Solicitation Safety Campaign. He stated they have created a handout called "Solicitation Regulation Campaign" — Bring the Change to a local charity, Panhandling is NOT the answer. Mr. King introduced other Campaign Outreach Committee members in attendance; Jim Zumini, Kurt Betancourt, and Alicia McRae. Brooklyn Holton distributed campaign fliers that were created for the Wenatchee and East Wenatchee area, noting that the focus is on the community having a safe environment, and this is an opportunity to reach out to the community, empower them, and re-establish that safe environment. She said the committee will launch the campaign the second weekend in May, and until then, they will be reaching out to businesses in both Cities. The committee is making business cards and flyers with general information that will be distributed in various ways. She stated the campaign committee is made up of social organizations as well as a diverse group from the Downtown Association, the Chamber, the Cities, and local Law Enforcement, in order to get different perspectives, as well as reach out to different populations, not just social services. CITY OF EAST WENATCHEE COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 14, 2015 PUBLIC COMMENT(S) Jim Russell, Interim Director, Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center, said a reception is being held at the museum on Monday, April 20, 2015 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. to meet the finalists for the new Director of the museum, and to see what the City of East Wenatchee and Wenatchee are investing in jointly to regionalize the museum. He noted that existing Board members and Staff will be present to talk with, and he wanted to extend a personal invitation to Councilmembers. Mayor Lacy stated that a draft of the proposed Agreement will be presented at the Council meeting on April 28, 2015, regarding potential regionalization of the museum. BUDGET ISSUES) Nick Gerde, Finance Director — distributed and reviewed the Financial Report for the month of March 2015. MAYORS REPORT Mayor Lacy distributed and reviewed a letter from the Douglas County Commissioners, indicating their desire to move forward independently on the Baker Street Project. He said the project had the potential of going from a $430,000 match to as much as $1.5 million. Mayor Lacy recommended against moving forward with the Baker Street project at this time, and would rather see the money spent on the Highline project. He noted that the City going forward on the Baker Street Project is undecided as far as costs go. Councilmember Barnhart suggested using the Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) money to at least do some small improvements on the intersection of 19t' Street, instead of giving the money back. City Engineer Greg Pezoldt said any changes would need to be negotiated with the TIB. Mayor Lacy said he met with Janice Barnes, Tranquility Day Spa, regarding concerns about the homeless, and she said she was happy the City is making efforts to do what they can. He also met with Pastor Detwiler, Shalom Church, and others who work in the ministry, to discuss hours of operation, and exactly what they provide to the homeless. Pastor Detwiler offered to act as a conduit for communication with the homeless, to try to impress upon them the need to make changes in terms of how they interact with the business community. Mayor Lacy said the city has made the decision to put port -a -potties closer to the highway to avoid the necessity of those people coming up around business buildings at night. Mayor Lacy said he met with Peter Kuske, Principal owner of Bob's Classic, partner in building the new location in East Wenatchee, and they are interested in pursuing an interior decor that would reflect the City theme related to the Miss Veedol flight. Mayor Lacy informed him that the City would provide, and help locate, old photos and memorabilia, as well as someone who could help them design a replica of the Miss Veedol to display in the new restaurant. Mayor Lacy said that Numerica Credit Union also made an attempt to represent the Trans Pacific Flight idea in their new store, which is on the back wall behind the counter. Councilmember Johnson noted that he and Officer James Marshall walked on the loop trail to assess the homeless issue that has been growing along the trail. He said, at around 10:00 a.m., they saw clothing and bags, but no people. Councilmember Johnson said that Officer Marshall felt the issue had gotten better than it had been. Pa CITY OF EAST WENATCHEE COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 14, 2015 Mayor Lacy said he is happy to hear there has been an improvement from the standpoint of the camps, but the problems we have heard about from business owners are not directly related to the camps, they involve the activities at night, and early morning, when the people are not sleeping or camping out. He said Chief Harrison has been keeping him informed about the day to day events in those areas. DEPARTMENT REPORT(S) Dan White, Events Coordinator — Report on Easter Egg Hunt Event Dan distributed pictures taken at the event. He said the City sponsors five events, which include; Fred Meyer Easter Egg Hunt, Wings N' Wheels Kids Day, and Wings N' Wishes. He noted this year the Easter Egg Hunt sold approximately 1,550 tickets. Mr. White said that it takes a lot of people to make the event work, and wanted to single out Kathy Addleman, Eastmont High School, and Deb Lacy, Eastmont Junior High School, for bringing over two dozen students to volunteer at the event. He noted that Dan Gwynne, Fred Meyer Manager, brought a crew of volunteers and Fred Meyer shirts for all volunteers to keep, and prizes that consisted of four bikes, and 65 baskets put together with age appropriate prizes. He added that kids who participated in the hunt that did not win a big prize received goody bags. He said Fred Meyer could not be a greater sponsor, and the event continues to grow every year. City Engineer Greg Pezoldt noted that the contractor for the City Hall Sidewalk Project notified him that they will start the project on May 4, 2015. Greg Pezoldt, Public Works Director — Written Report — 2015 Construction Projects Status Report for QApril 2015. CONSENT CALENDAR Items listed below were distributed to Councilmember's in advance for study and were enacted in one motion. City Clerk Dana Barnard noted a correction to the Joint Meeting minutes on page 18 of 151, in the sentence after Ordinance No. 2015-12 it should say "Planning Commission" not "County Commission". Council Action: A motion was made by Councilmember Detering, second by Councilmember Collings, to approve the Consent Calendar as amended. The motion carried, 7-0. 1. Consideration of Minutes — Joint Public Meeting with Douglas County Board of Commissioners, and Regular Session of the City Council, March 24, 2015 2. Consideration of Payables and Payroll i. 2015 Payables — As of this date, April 14, 2015, Council does approve check numbers 43118, 43155 through 43156, and 43157 through 43242 in the total amount of $115,049.15. No payables checks were voided. ii. 2015 March Payroll — As of this date, April 14, 2015, Council does approve check numbers 43055 through 43074, 43119 through 43154, and direct deposits on 3/16/2015, and 4/1/2015 in the total amount of $374,989.61. No payroll checks were voided. CITY OF EAST WENATCHEE COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 14, 2015 PUBLIC HEARING 15-04-01 Public hearing to consider testimony related to a request by George and Marisa Chang to defer required public improvements on 3rd St. NE. Presented by: Lori Barnett, Community Development Director Lori said there are some issues with regards to the right-of-way, they do not know what the exact geometries are, and she has provided an engineer's estimate. She said a Concomitant Agreement has been prepared, it is already signed, it met all the conditions of approval for the project, and the request for deferral from George and Marisa Chang would be in place for 15 years. She added the City will be implementing a process to keep track of all Concomitant Agreements tby using a GIS database, so we can look at those agreements when we are considering roadway projects. Mayor Lacy opened the public hearing at 7:12 p.m. Hearing no comments, Mayor Lacy closed the public hearing at 7:13 p.m. ACTION ITEMS) 15-04-02 Consideration of a request by George and Marisa Chang to defer required public improvements on 3rd St. NE adjacent to their property at 684 3rd St. NE, East Wenatchee, WA. Presented by: Lori Barnett, Community Development Director Council Action: A motion was made by Councilmember Barnhart, second by Councilmember Johnson, to approve the deferral request; and to further authorize the Mayor to sign the Concomitant Improvement Agreement. The motion carried, 7-0. 15-04-03 Consideration of a contract with ABM to continue janitorial services at the City Hall Building and the Police Annex Building. Presented by: Greg Pezoldt, Public Works Director Council Action: A motion was made by Councilmember Detering, second by Councilmember Raab, to approve the 2015 Service Agreement with ABM in the amount of $1795.07 per month. Council Action: A motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, second by Councilmember Detering, to amend the motion to the 2015 Service Agreement with ABM by taking the two year automatic extension out of the Agreement. The motion carried, 6-1 (Barnhart) Council Action: A motion to adopt the 2015 Service Agreement with ABM as it has now been amended. The motion carried, 7-0. 4 CITY OF EAST WENATCHEE COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 14, 2015 l RESOLUTIONS) 15-04-04 Resolution No. 2015-07, A Resolution of the City of East Wenatchee Washington authorizing the Mayor, the City Attorney, the Finance Director, and the Accounting Assistant to enter into investment transactions on behalf of the City. Presented by: Nick Gerde, Finance Director Council Action: A motion was made by Councilmember Buckner, second by Councilmember Raab, to approve Resolution No. 2015-07; and to further authorize the Mayor, the City Attorney, the Finance Director, and the Accounting Assistant to enter into investment transactions on behalf of the City. The motion carried, 7-0. RESOLUTION NO.2015-07 A Resolution of the City of East Wenatchee, Washington authorizing the Mayor, the City Attorney, the Finance Director, and the Accounting Assistant to enter into investment transactions on behalf of the City. ORDINANCE(S) 15-03-01 First reading of Ordinance 2015-06 establishing an Alcohol Impact Area to mitigate problems with chronic public inebriation and other illegal and deleterious activities linked to the consumption of high alcohol content beverages within a specific geographic area of the City. Presented by: Devin Poulson, City Attorney Devin stated this is a first reading, and he has written invitations to the five off premises liquor licensee's to attend the next City Council meeting with the intent of the City asking them to voluntarily not sell ten identified beverages. He said he will discuss Ordinance No. 2016-06 at that meeting as well, so the business owners/managers can be involved and have some input. Mayor Lacy read first reading of the ordinance. COUNCIL REPORT(S) Councilmember Barnhart noted that Kayo's Car Wash located on Valley Mall Parkway was in need of being cleaned up, and asked what the procedure is for something of this nature. Community Development Director Lori Barnett said she would refer the issue to Code Enforcement Officer Jeff Morrison. Councilmember Detering said he received an email from Larry McFadden, 314 N James, East Wenatchee, stating he has a neighbor with an unappealing yard, and was inquiring whether the City could do anything to get the owner to clean it up. Mayor Lacy said that included in the packet is a congratulatory award letter from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Employee Benefit Trust noting that the City of East Wenatchee has met all of the AWC Employee Benefit Trust's WellCity standards, and achieved 68% participation in the Health Questionnaire, earning a 2% discount on all CITY OF EAST WENATCBEE COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 14, 2015 AWC Trust medical premiums in 2016. This will save the City approximately $16,000 per year. Councilmember McCourt said she would not be present at the Council meeting on April 28, 2015, due to a family issue, and she does not know when she will return. She also stated that she would not be present for the Misawa trip. Councilmember McCourt noted that the Wenatchee Housing Authority has now started the use of tablets as well, but she is having trouble getting information off the tablet from the meetings, so she is trying various things to get help with it. Councilmember Johnson noted there will be a Flag Ceremony for all Cities who wish to participate during the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Conference being held June 23-26, 2015, at the Wenatchee Convention Center. He said he would like permission to take a City of East Wenatchee flag and stand to participate in the ceremony. No objections were heard. The following reports/minutes were submitted in writing prior to the City Council meeting, • Councilmember Buckner — Minutes from the North Central Washington Economic Development District (NCWEDD) meeting held on March 11, 2015, and the Plug In North Central Washington Board meeting held on March 12, 2015. • Councilmember Barnhart — Letter from the Rivercom 911 Administrative Board regarding the proposed budget, three areas they would like to see re -addressed, and three actions recommended by the Board to be taken by the Legislature regarding funding requests. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Misawa Welcome Reception invitation, being held Thursday, April 30, 2015 at 4:00 p.m., located at the Pybus Public Market, 3 N Worthen St, Wenatchee, Washington, 98801. Letter from Kazumasa Taneichi, Mayor of Misawa City, giving an update on previous Misawa student delegates who visited the Wenatchee Valley, and are enrolled at Wenatchee Valley College. The letter also noted that the delegation coming for Apple Blossom this year will consist of 20 delegates. Troy Kelley, Washington State Auditor's Office, Examination Report of the Department of Retirement Systems for the period of July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013. Letter from Susan Woods, 481 N Joseph Ave, East Wenatchee, thanking Mayor Lacy, Council, and the City of East Wenatchee for the stance we are taking in regards to homeless problems in East Wenatchee, and possible solutions. Wenatchee Valley Humane Society — City of East Wenatchee, Quarterly Report, lst Quarter, 2015; Animal Control Hours, Number of Investigated Incidents, and Number of Animals Received. EXECUTIVE SESSION At 7:43 p.m. Mayor Lacy called a fifteen minute executive session regarding potential litigation on two items, with action being taken on one item when they reconvene. Council reconvened at 7:58 p.m. CITY OF EAST WENATCBEE COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 14, 2015 Council Action: A motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, second by Councilmember Raab, to authorize the Mayor to send a letter denying Plan B Medicare reimbursement for Left 1 retirees, as requested; and to further authorize the Mayor to issue a letter to the Disability Board indicating that the City exercises its discretion not to pay Plan B premiums for Left 1 recipients. The motion carried, 6-0. (Barnhart abstained) ADJOURNMENT 8:00 p.m.