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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995.11.20 Council MinutesMINUTES PASCO CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 20, 1995 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 730 P M by Charles Kilbury, Mayor Pro-tern ROLL CALL By Deputy City Clerk Councilmembers present Michael Gamson, Edgar Hargrow, Charles Kilbury, Dan Lathim, and Carl Strode Councilmembers absent Joyce DeFelice, Chris Jensen Also present Gary Crutchfield, City Manager, Leland B Kerr, Acting City Attorney, Dan Underwood, Finance Director, Denis Austin, Police Chief, and Richard Smith, Community & Economic Dev Director PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance CONSENT AGENDA MOTION Mr Gamson moved to approve the Consent Agenda Seconded by Mr Lathim Motion earned unanimously Consent items are as follows A) Approval of Minutes To approve minutes of Regular Meeting held November 6, 1995 B) Bills and Communications To approve General Claims in the amount of 8490,689 51 ($12,634 67 being in the form of Wire Transfer No 3028, and 8478,054 84 consisting of Claim Warrants numbered 94254 through 94408) C) Special Meeting to Conduct Revenue Sources Public Heanng and to set the 1996 Property Tax Levy To set a special meeting of the Pasco City Council on November 27, 1995, at 730 p m, in the Pasco City Council Chambers, for the purpose of conducting a public hearing on revenue sources for the 1996 General Fund and to set the 1996 property tax levy for the General Fund and 1993 Unlimited Tax General Obligation Bond Debt Service D) Acceptance of Sewer Franchise with Franklin County To accept the Sewer Franchise Agreement from Franklin County, dated November 6,1995 PROCLAMATION AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS None VISITORS Mr Thomas (unclear), of 1721 N 10th Avenue, addressed Council to express his concerns about drive-ways in his neighborhood that have been constructed with six (6) inch lifts Several tenants in his building have had to have repairs to the vehicles because of damage received while using these drive-ways He also asked about the apartment complex across the street from his and wanted to know the status of the improvements that had been ordered by staff Mr Crutchfield explained that he could file a claim against the City if he felt the property has been damaged t 7 I, MINUTES REGULAR MEETING PASCO CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 20, 1995 Mr Smith explained that the apartment complex across the street had been sited for violations quite some time ago The owners started work almost immediately, however, the work was not done in a timely manner and the matter has been referred to the legal department for prosecution Ms Gretchen Sewart, representative of Washington Together Against Pornography, addressed Council and explained that Elmo's Bookstore has purchased a plot of land near the King City Truck Stop and has filed a permit to build a retail facility that would include peep booths Her organization feels that another look at the current ordinance would be m order in an effort to strengthen the ordinance Towards that end she presented a copy of a recently drafted model ordinance for Washington State that was prepared to incorporate the very latest Washington State case law It was her desire that Council look at the model ordinance and consider any areas where the City's current ordinance could be reinforced to prevent pornography in the community Mr Crutchfield felt it would be wise to have the three city attorneys jointly review the model ordinance Mr Ken Reithmayr, of 1031 W Park Street, spoke in favor of the model ordinance presented by Ms Sewart and felt it would benefit Pasco to look into updating the current ordinance Mr Reithmayr also requested that the permit process for Elmo's Bookstore be placed on hold until a more restrictive ordinance could be adopted Mr Crutchfield explained that when a citizen makes application for a permit they have the right to have their application judged by the rules and ordinances in place on the date they make application The City cannot delay accepting their permit until Council enacts new rules Pastor Nimmo, of Tn-City Baptist Church, spoke in favor of the prepared ordinances presented by Ms Sewart and supported her efforts He also urged Council to take action on the model ordinance as soon as possible REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES AND/OR OFFICERS BFRC Tn-MATS Policy Advisory Committee Meeting, November 9, 1995 Mr Kilbury reported that the recommendation to approve the Prosser Transportation Study was accepted and a report was made on the South College Place Traffic Study The status of the Regional STP was considered by the group B F Transit Board Meeting, November 9, 1995 Mr Garnson reported that a new Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy was adopted A proposal was presented for consideration of a proposed fare increase for 1996 B F Regional Council Board Meeting, November 17, 1995 Mr Kilbury reported that the Regional Revolving Loan Fund Committee was expanded by two people The Prosser Transportation Study was approved and the Stampede Pass Resolution was adopted PUBLIC HEARINGS None ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS NOT RELATED TO PUBLIC HEARINGS None UNFINISHED BUSINESS Liberty Theater Renovation Committee Progress Report Mr Ken Larsen introduced Mr Bill Davis, of Resource Network Mr Davis reported that -2- MINUTES REGULAR MEETING PASCO CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 20, 1995 the Committee concluded from the analysis the following The most appropnate facility use to pursue is a community-based performmg arts center While there is not sufficient space in the basement for a community dance center without sacnficmg the performing arts needs, a portion of this area can be renovated for rehearsal and dance studio uses Leveragmg multiple funding sources (both public and pnvate) is, most likely, the only way to obtain the necessary money for renovation and for ongoing financial support While the basic box shape of the theatre structure is sound, the extenor and interior will require significant renovation 1) to meet mmimum life and safety buildmg code requirements, and 2) stage and cinema equipment costs to make the theatre functional Two basic options for renovation are provided with realistic renovation cost estimates rangmg from $2,030 477 00 to $2,230,243 00 If donated labor and materials are obtained, these cost estimates can be further reduced Also included is a third option that identifies renovation costs for a first phase Overall, it is recommended that the process of selectmg an option be a community-based decision As an added value, the facility's historical and architectural features were also evaluated The theatre has historical significance from a facility use perspective, but less so from an architectural perspective Selecting an exterior facade and interior design that reflects the history of the community and the theatre is important It is recommended that the "Eclectic Contemporary" facade design be used While more elaborate, it provides a historical and contemporary form The ultimate design decision, however, needs to be community-based, involving the citizens who will be the supporters, users/presenters, and patrons of the facility Overall, there is a need in the Tn-Cities' region for another 300 to 500 seat theatre, with full technical capability, to serve community groups, tourmg performances, and a resident company There is also a need for a local community theatre in Pasco, and it is believed there is the opportunity to create or nurture a new resident company While the theatre size limits its ability to attract touring performances, it would accommodate small concerts, lectures, comedy acts, a regular series of classic films or foreign films, and other events such as auctions, fund- raisers, religious services Altogether, sufficient operatmg revenue to support debt service on capital costs is unlikely It is feasible if the renovation costs are funded from grants, public subscription, and other sources It is possible to break even on an operatmg basis, if a sustained financial support from non- operating revenue sources is provided In summary, renovation and operation of the theatre is an ambitious project, but is feasible if several recommended conditions provided m the report are met Strategically, the initial decisions to be considered are organization and management of the facility Development, operation and promotion of the facility will require a strong manager and a committed management organization An innovative, low-risk management strategy for development and operation of the theatre is recommended, i e , partnership with Columbia Basm College To proceed the following activities are recommended Immediately establish a nonprofit corporation under the direction of a community-based Board of Directors with an appropriate committee structure Develop a liaison and pursue the creative theatre management option with Columbia Basin College Pursue other relationships in the Pasco and regional community to enhance resources, increase exposure and expand public awareness, including corporate partnerships with leadmg businesses, and partnerships with other agencies (public and private) -3- MINUTES REGULAR MEETING PASCO CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 20, 1995 The Theatre Renovation Committee provided an initial Marketing and Promotion Plan, including recommended initial activities should Council decide to proceed with the acquisition and renovation of the theatre Overall, management will need to be creative and assertive with limited resources in reachmg out and commumcatmg with the 3 identified target groups Community Supporters, Users/Presenters, and Patrons Management will need to focus on fund-raising and initially assume the role of Presenter for a significant portion of the events In conclusion, renovation of the Liberty Theatre as a performmg arts theatre and multipurpose community cultural center is feasible As a community and downtown development project it has the added value of stimulating a part of Pasco Downtown, preserving and enhancing an important part of the City's history, and providing a facility to house local and touring arts groups Mr Larsen explained that the Committee is faced with a reformulation of the Committee into a Board of Directors and establishing a non-profit corporation should the next step be taken There will need to be marketing and promotion within the community to raise funds The management of the theatre will, ultimately, be a very important aspect Therefore, the Committee requested a meeting between the City, the Pasco Downtown Development Association, and the Franklin County Historical Society to talk about the commitment to this type of project Mr Garrison asked what the annual maintenance of the facility would be if its renovated'? Mr Larsen stated that it would be approximately $100,000 to $150,000 Mr Garrison then asked Mr Larsen if he expected, that through programs, plays and activities at the facility, that it would be able to pay for its own maintenance'? Mr Larsen explained that in the report it is indicated that there would be a short-fall of approximately $60,000 that would have to be made up through fund-raising and other activities Mr Lathim volunteered to be on the committee and represent the Council's interest in this matter He asked if the Tr -I-City community is large enough to support this type of activity on an on-going basis'? Can this area nurture this activity and make it grow'? Mr Davis felt that Mr Larsen's request for a sit down discussion would have great value because it would give an opportunity for feedback He explained that, as a part of the market analysis, high usage areas were looked at, i e, Seattle After doing a companson on theatre attendance in the Tn-Cities region vs a large metropolitan area, it was concluded that Franklin County residents could support 58 performances with an average 250 attendees Mr Hargrow felt that the cultural aspect of this project lends a lot to Pasco's image and that it has the potential to attract the youth of Pasco and maybe impact their lives in a positive manner Mr Strode asked what would be involved in an improvement package that would provide the minimum of features necessary to be able to open the doors'? Mr Larsen explained that it would involve bringing the mechanical, electrical and handicap facilities up to code This basic renovation would cost approximately $1 3 million -4- Charles Kilbury, M yor Pro-tern AI TEST athenne D Seaman Deputy City Clerk MINUTES REGULAR MEETING PASCO CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 20, 1995 Mr Strode was in support of doing the project in phases and he agreed with Mr Hargrow that this project is the type of project that can shed a very good light on the City of Pasco He wanted to see the Committee go forward in the areas of researching any grants that may be available and what kind of relationships mights be established with the community college and other businesses in the Tn-Cities Mr Kilbury thanked Mr Larsen and Mr Davis for their report and stated that the Liberty Theatre is an asset that cnes out for rehabilitation and that staff should be involved NEW BUSINESS Court Street Improvement Agreement MOTION Mr Strode moved to approve the Court Street Improvements Agreement and, further, authonze the Mayor to sign the agreement Mr Gamson seconded the motion Motion camed by unanimous roll call vote MISCELLANEOUS - INCLUDING SUGGESTIONS FROM COUNCIL None ADJOURNMENT No further busmess, the meeting was adjourned at 8 37 P M PASSED and APPROVED this 4 day of December , 1995 -5-