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
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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