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- Community Center public hearing
- Kids ask for skating park
- SUNNYSIDE (Monday, 10-25-99)---Five boys this evening asked the City Council to help clear the way for a new skating park in Sunnyside as part of the council's public hearing about building a new Community Center.
- They said Sunnyside School District is making off limits to skaters its acres of parking lots in various buildings. That decision has disappointed those who love to skateboard and use their inline skates.
- "We've been kicked out of school (areas)," Chris Trammel said. He indicated skating is a healthy, athletic activity, and relieves boredom. Working with Trammel on the pitch were Chris McCleary, Mario de la Torre, and Brian Campbell.
- The boys also presented the Council with a petition signed by 50 local supporters. The boys handled their requests in a very adult manner, and the Council agreed they would look into the skate area request.
- Danny Mendoza presented each of the councilmen with a 23-page study upon which he had been working for several months. The report contained questionnaire data, support letters, photos and information about existing skating facilities in other cities, and even possible funding sources.
- Mendoza said he also is checking whether a roller hockey field might be included in final plans yet to be drawn up.
- "I personally think it would give kids something fun to do instead of watching TV all day or going to the movies. I just want to say that this just could be what Sunnyside needs to be a great town to live in," Mendoza wrote in a cover letter.
- Barbara Cline, of Traho Architects, who was present to hear questions from the community regarding Traho's Community Center feasibility study, agreed wholeheartedly with the boys. In view of community enthusiasm for such a project, she suggested the city move ahead with it.
Tom Byers, Parks & Rec. Director, said he had already reviewed information the boys presented. He recommended a skate area be built even before the Community Center.
"I agree--(it should come) sooner," said Councilman Roy Anciso.
- Councilman Errol Brown said "We've heard a great presentation . We should seriously look into it."
Mayor Ed Prilucik requested that staff check into a possible plan and get back to the Council with a presentation of its own.
Traho's Cline presented the Council with Community Center data councilmen requested at the first public hearing on the issue Oct. 4.
In other business, the council:
- Discussed a request by the Humane Society of Central Washington for a three percent hike in service fees beginning Jan. 1. If approved, the city would pay $1,613 a month for the service, up from $1,566. Over a year, the increased cost would tally at $19,357. Councilmen requested "options" to be discussed at a future meeting. No action was taken.
- Approved payment of monthly bills totaling $642,748.
- Discussed changes for next year in a reciprocal agreement with Yakima County for sharing jail space. No action was taken.
- Discussed renewing a grant-writing services contract totaling $66,900. The city would pay $22,300 over a year, same as Sunnyside Community Hospital and Sunnyside Port District, who share the grant writing talents of Elaine Willman. In view of the fact Willman has brought some $784,000 in grant funds into the community, councilmen agreed the city is getting an excellent deal from the contract. No action was taken, but it's likely a shoo-in.
- Heard a request for a resolution stating the city supports the Washington Economic Development Finance Authority's issuing $10-million in nonrecourse economic development revenue bonds. Bond sales would finance Canam Steel's facility expansion. Canam would build open web trusses in the new digs. City staff are expected write up a resolution and have it up for approval Nov. 1.
- Heard from the County assessor that Sunnyside's total assessed valuation of $408, 296,744--up $4-million from last year. The council this year adopted a levy of about $2.80-per-thousand of assessed valuation, the same as in 1998. Councilman likely will not support a tax increase for 2000. Owners of a $100,000 home now pay $280 a year in city taxes. The hike in valuation will mean about $38,700 more in revenues for Sunnyside.
- Removed from the agenda an ordinance allowing annexation of the Valley Truck Repair property on Highway 241 north of town.
- Entered executive session to discuss qualifications of an applicant for city employment. The applicant was not named publicly.
- Heard a report from city staff regarding methods by which the city will control a resurgent crow population. More than 200 crows were destroyed in earlier efforts.
- Agreed to publicize a request for members of the general public to sit on a Committee to discuss a proposed R1 zoning ordinance. Councilmen on the Committee include Mike Farmer, who will act as chair, plus Chad Werkhoven and Errol Brown. Realtors also will sit the Committee.