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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-01-1977 MinutesMINUTES PASCO CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 1, 1977 CALL TO ORDER: "Meeting called.to order at 8:00 P.M..by Jan Tidrick, Mayor. ROLL CALL: By Deputy City Clerk. Councilmen present were: S.K. Adams, J.C. Bailie, Vernon Schuelein, David Sheeley, Jan Tidrick and Bill Wilkins. Councilman E.A. Snider was absent due to being out of town on Company business (excused absence). Also present were: George Smith, City Manager; Leo Olney, Director of Finance; Patrick Roach, City Attorney; James Ajax,.City Engineer; Al Tebaldi, Chief of Police; Webster Jackson, EEO Officer; Richard Erickson, Director of Parks and Recreation and Michael Corcoran, Planner. CONSENT AGENDA: Mr. Sheeley moved tha,, Consent Agenda be approved. Seconded by Mr. Schuelein. Motion carried by roll call vote of six (6). Consent items are as follows: a) Approval of Minutes: Minutes of regular meeting; held January 18, 1977. **See Footnote below b) Approval of Minutes: Minutes of Public Hearing on Discretionary Grant, held January 25, 1977. c) Bills and Communications:''General Claims in'the amount of $182,727.86; Claim warrant nos. 11299 through'1-1383. Payroll claims in the amount of $94,842.89; Claim warrant nos. 13528 through 13861. : d) Appointment to East Pasco Neighborhood Facility Board of Directors: Van Dedmond appointed to "At Large" position of the East Pasco Neigh- borhood Facility Board of Directors, expiration of October 15, 1978. **Footnote. Page one of January 18, 1977 minutes, under section "VISITORS.", should read as follows: "Mayor Tidrick welcomed Mr. Warren Sparhawk, Director of Community Relations.for Hughes Airwest, who read the following greeting from Mayor Moscone commemorating the inauguration of a non-stop.flight service between Pasco and San Francisco on January 15, 1977." PUBLIC"HEARINGS: MAYOR TIDRICK DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING.OPEN TO OBTAIN VIEWS OF.,PASCO:.CITIZENS ON DISCRETIONARY.H.U.D. BLOCK GRANT FUNDS: (2ND HEARING.) It was reported that the Hearing had been duly published and posted.. There were no written communications. The City Manager again reiterated the following objectives for benefit of the Council: "The primary.objective of the Community Development Program is the -development of viable urban communities, including decent housing and a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities principally for low and moderate income persons. The Federal assistance provided by the Act is for the support of community development activities which are directed toward the following national objectives: Elimination of slums and blight; Conditions which represent an imminent threat to public health & safety; Conservation and expansion of the nation's housing stock; Improvement of community services; especially to low income persons; Better use of lands and resources; Reduction in economic segregation in housing; Protection of sites of historic/architectural/cu.l.tural importance." For the record, Mr. Ajax reported that the Department of Community Development hase looked at several areas in East Pasco for use of.the funds. Included are possible paving, water/sewer projects, lighting and implementing some requests from East Pasco Neighborhood Facility. MINUTES PASCO CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING PUBLIC HEARING - Continued: FEBRUARY 1, 1977 Mr. Wilkins asked if some of the money could -be used for subsidising L.I.D.'s in low income areas? The reply was affirmative. Following three (3) calls from Mayor Tidrick for further comments -from the floor, either for or against,, the Public Hearing was.declared closed.. MAYOR TIDRICK DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN.FOR DISCUSSION ON TRI CITY GROUP HOMES: It was reported that the Hearing was duly published and posted. There were no written communications. Mrs. Jessie Blanton, 526 N. 8th, stated she was unalterably opposed to putting City funds into a private enterprise, as the general atmosphere had deteriorated - the neighborhood due to litter conditions, increased traffic, congregating of young people and subsequent verbal abuse. She further stated her yard had been violated many times and the Police had been there:on'-num6rous occasions. She reminded the Council that she had been "mugged" on her own doorstep causing hospitalization and her sister had been likewise. Because of this type of activity, residents lived in constant fear and this should not be because most of them had lived in their homes for a number of years. Mr. Sheeley asked, "you mentioned that the Police escorted your guests home, is that correct?" The reply was affirmative. Mrs. Campbell, 514 N. 8th, reiterated that it was not a safe place for widows to live. The girls made faces at you out the window, Police were there at all hours of the night and there was not adequate supervision. She felt this type of home was taking the responsibility off the parentt and they should be paying for this confinement. Mr. Dan O'Leary, 525.N. 8th, stated that he took the position that everyone should have a chance -in the beginning; however, their yard was a mess and he subsequently called Mr. Burgess who cleaned it up. He admitted having called the Police on several occasions and stated, "if it's going to be a business, run it like a business." Mrs. -Carol Hackwith asked, "where does the funding come from?" Staff member of Group Homes replied that parents are charged from DSHS on their ability to pay and balance is funded through various charitable sources.and grants. Mrs..Hackwith then stated there was general destruction in the neighborhood and she felt it should be better supervised. .Further, wouldn't a home of this type be better suited in a rural atmosphere? Staff member of home replied.negative to this question as it was most important to,educate and socialize them in a community, and she felt they had the best supervision in the State and housekeeping responsibilities to keep them busy. Mr. Ellsworth Mann, 512 N. 8th, stated the.home was a.filthy.mess and has been for the last three years and you can't get through the alley for garbage. Mr.' Adams asked, "what seems to be the main problem?" Mr. Mann replied, "cars, garbage, drinking at all hours and lax supervision." Mrs. Virginia Keyes supported home by stating that you can't always pinpoint Group Homes kids, talk to the director and resolve your problems. Mr. John Colgan, Director.of Group Home, stated he realized.problems did exist; however, it was most difficult to work with girls, they were not as employable as boys and if the neighborhood had better communication with him, they could work their problems out. I - Mrs. Hanson, parent of one of the girls in Group Home, supported the home and urged that it be kept going. Mrs. Campbell asked, "is it zoned for a Group Home?" Staff replied that State rules it a single family dwelling. Mrs. Campb&ll then replied, "I'm still against it." Mrs. Kelly O'Brien, an employee of Group Homes, stated it was well supervised and was flattered -that nothing but ,young girls acted as supervisors when she was 53 years old. MINUTES PASCO CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING PUBLIC HEARING - Continued: FEBRUARY 1, 1977 Mrs.. Shirley Shepherd dispelled Mrs. Blanton's fear of devaluation of her property due to home locating in neighborhodd. She stated that the neighborhood had been deterioratjng for some -time and she, personally, had checked on the car situation. She finds that the girls are gone, but the cars are still there so increased traffic can't be blamed altogether on Group Homes. Councilmen Wilkins and Sheeley reported that. they toured Group Homes recently and found things neat and orderly. Mr. Sheeley suggested organizing a Neighborhood Council and communicating direct with Group Homes staff if a problem exists. Mrs. Dan O"Leary cited an incident where her daughters and friends were practicing cheer leading routines in their.yard and the girls -of Group Home yelled obscene words.at them, and if there was such good supervision, why couldhtt the supervisors hear them and put a stop to it? Mr. Colgan apoligized for incident and.reminded Mrs. O'Leary that he, personally, had walked across the street and talked to her daughters. Councilman Adams stated that we have two issues at.'hand; one for.funding and one for removing, but it appeared that proper discipline had not been enforced. Mrs. Shepherd replied that they have lots of disciplinary measures. RECESS: 9:05 P.M. RECONVENED: 9:15 P.M. At this point, Mayor Tidrick announced that there would be no decision on Group Homes toni.g.ht, they merely wanted.to get citizen input to assist them in making their decision. The City Attorney clarified that:the City. could not donate $2,000 to a private enterprise but they could contract for services. . Mr. Schuelein stated,,"you can't be in favor.without supporting it,.I know there is .a problem_ but group homes is the answer .to problem - it's cheaper than putting a kid in jail." Mr. Schuelei.n further stated .you.sel.dom f.i,n.d this type of venture in a high rent district; therefore, they usually wind'up in.older. neighborhoods. Mr. Ira Schmidt.reminded the Council that Bailie's.Boyd Farm had.worked ou.t well in a.rura.l. community. Mrs. Shirley Shepherd said the figures for.each tenant was $550 per.month compared to $2,000 per month if institutionalized. Mr. Colgan supported this statement and reiterated that a moral issue was at hand but,. "someone has to take care of these kids." Mr. Bob Hackwith supported views of his neighbors. Mr. Tim O'Connor supported home by stating that he has spent many.hours with the boys above and beyond his working day and they definitely need support. Following three (3) calls from Mayor.Tidrick.fo.r fur.ther.comments from the floor, either for or against, the public hearing was declared closed. VISITORS: Mr. George Brewder, 2112 Lee, Richland,. Washing.ton, .c.ited al:..'edged, descrepancies in filing a claim against the City J_n Small. _Claims .Court. . He .charged that the City of Pasco was telling the Small Claims Court what cou,ld or could not be filed and that makes the City a corupt organization. He again asked for a copy of memo the City Attorney had written the City. Manager..and read excerpts from Public Disclosure Law. The City Attorney took the.same position .he did on .January 4, 19.77.. Mayor Tidrick encouraged Mr. Brewder to pursue his rights under the law as he saw them. . Mr. Paul Lawson,questioned the possibility of opening Road 24 onto Lewis and asked staff if they had any recommendations.. Mr.. Ajax reported that the Council.had referred the Comprehensive Land. Use to.the P1ann.ing.Commissfon and they felt it premature to amend Comprehensive Plan because it was §oing to be updated. Mr. Frank Dukelow stated that when the Pepsi building was finished they left approximately 100' of roadway torn up. What was going to be done? MINUTES PASCO CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 1, 1977 VISITORS - Continued: Mr. Ajax replied that residents in the area had approached him in regard to an L.J.D. and he will get more information together and put it on a Workshop Agenda. This will include information about opening Road 24 across Lewis also. ANNOUNCEMENT: MAYOR TIDRICK READ THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT: "I believe I would be remiss in my duties as Mayor if I did not make a statement to the citizens of Pasco concerning the pornography issue. This is how the issue will appear on the ballot February 8th: "SH OULD THE CITY OF PASCO USE PUBLIC FUNDS TO REGULATE OR PROHIBIT THE EXHIBITION, SALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF PORNOGRAPHY?" A YES vote will advise the Council to attempt to regulate or prohibit the exhibition, sale or distribution -of pornography. A NO vote will advise the Council not to attempt to regulate or prohibit the exhibition, sale or-distri-bution of pornography. - The vote on February 8th is extremely important to the citizens of Pasco. It will affect their lives for a number of years. I am going to relate this issue to a young maiden - she can remain a maiden as long as she wants to or she can probably stop being one when she wants.to. But when she decides to go out and have some fun and turns up pregnant, then it's going to be very difficult for her to decide to be a maiden again. There is no excuse to vote wrong on this issue. I want to emphasize that the voter simply must read the ballot and answer the question Yes or No. I think almost everyone has made his mind up on pornography and the side elements of topless bars, body painting, massage parlors, etc., that you can see in large metropolitan areas. If you haven't made a decision', now is the time because it will be difficult to say, "I'am for or.indifferent to hard core pornography, but those other things offend me and should n66 be.allowed." Think'about it! . The point I am trying to make is be it to. In closing, I would like to significant issue for the citizens RESOLUTIONS: RESOLUTION NO. 1068: .sure your vote counts the way you want re-emphasize that this is a very of Pasco." A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PASCO AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE YEAR 1977 WITH THE BENTON-FRANKLIN COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY, INC. Resolution No. 1068 was read by title only. Mr. Sheeley moved that Resolution No. 1068 be adopted. Seconded by Mr. Schuelein. Motion carried by rol-1-call vote of six (6) . RESOLUTION NO. 1069: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PASCO AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN A COMMERCIAL CONCESSION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF PASCO AND WATER WORLD MARINA, INC. Resolution No. 1069 was read by title only. Mr. Sheeley moved that Resolution No. 1069 be adopted. Seconded by Mr. Bailie. Motion carried by roll call vote of six (6). SUGGESTIONS FROM COUNCIL - GENERAL DISCUSSION: Mr. Sheeley moved that Public Hearings be set for February 15, 1977, 8LOO P.M. FOR Lee Zone and Comprehensive Plan Change, Larson Zone and Comprehensive Plan Change and Schultz zone change'request. Seconded by Mr. Bailie. Motion carried. 1 1 1 MINUTES PASCO CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 1, 1977 SUGGESTIONS FROM COUNCIL - GENERAL DISCUSSION (Continued):•,! Mr. Sheeley asked about dividers at 4th & .Court: The City Engineer replied that he had not had an opportunity to review it.yet, but he was aware of it and would get a report back to the Council as soon as possible. ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned at 10:15 P.M. Jan T ick, Mayor Attes . v n Wells, Deputy City Clerk PASSED and .APPROVED thisZ.5�_day of 1977.