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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/05/1978 Business Meeting JUNE 5, 1978 The City Council met in session on this date at 1:30 PM in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Council members present were Mayor Betty L. Edmondson, Henry Beauchamp, Don Hinman, Nadine Lee, Jack Sparling and Gordon Wonder. Mayor Edmondson announced that because there was a lack of a quorum at the Police Relief and Pension Board meeting, it has been continued to Thursday, June 8, 1978 9:00 AM. Councilman Hinman inquired about resuming the tours of City Hall departments. After discussion, it was the general consensus to resume the tours in July. Mayor Edmondson announced that on June 14, 1978, 2:00 PM, there will be a hearing on tax alternatives, to be held at the Towne Plaza. II/ A resignation from Frank Frederick, member of the Human Relations Commission, having been received, the Council members discussed appointing a person to serve on that Commission. Council member Lee . submitted the name of Edna Woitt, who is a financial consultant at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital, Stating that Ms. Woitt is interested in serving on this Commission. Mayor Edmondson reminded Council that Robert Kutch had been one of two people considered for the last vacancy. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Wonder to appoint Robert Kutch to serve on the Human Relations Commission to fill the vacancy of Frank Frederick: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. It was the general consensus of the Council to have a Resolution prepared giving Frank Frederick special recognition for his service to the community and to also present him with a paper weight. Mayor Edmondson also announced that Lynn Buchanan will be resigning from the Airport Advisory Commission and Council should be thinking about filling that vacancy. She reported that Frank Roberts, KYVE-'IV, had called and stated that he is interested in serving on that Commission. It was the general consensus of the Council to have a list prepared for consideration next week of people who would be interested in serving on this Commission. Hope Gomez, Community Relations Officer, reviewed her work program covering the years 1978 through 1980. She stated that affirmative action is of top priority and special emphasis will be placed on educational programs. Asked if she had communication on this report with management or department heads, Ms. Gomez stated that the only person she had reviewed this program with was Assistant City Manager, Dick Zais. In discussing programs listed under educational programs, it was the general consensus of the Council to use the word "promote" instead of "provide" in "provide cross-cultural activities". In discussing the public relations program, Ms. Gomez stated she would like to hold a community meeting in the fall or winter of this year. Councilman Beauchamp suggested that we may need several public service announcements to encourage people to give their input in City government. Council members next discussed the role of the Community Relations Officer in the monitoring of contract compliance. Councilman Beauchamp stated that even if a person is hired II/ to monitor contract compliance, the Community Relations Officer should still audit it. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Lee to add to item #2, Affirmative Action, the activity of monitoring contract compliance: carried, Beauchamp, BdMondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Councilman Sparling suggested that Council form a Council committee of three members that Ms. Gomez can work with. It was the general consensus of the Council to think about Council member Sparling's suggestion. The Council members discussed the memo from Art Zerbach, Director of Finance & Budget, regarding utility taxes on outside customers. City Manager Eastman reported that the City will have to reduce the utility taxes by 12.5% to comply with rules for outside utility customers. He listed several alternatives for Council to consider, including a rate increase. It was the general consensus of the Council to have staff bring a solution to this problem next week. City Manager Eastman stated that the next billing has to show the reduction and we should also separate the tax billing on the billing. He stated that he would be bringing Council a recommendation in the water-rate study. JUNE 5, 1978 It was the general consensus of the Council to discuss the pending items at next week's meeting. At 3:00 PM, the Council members commenced the regular Council meeting, Mayor Edmondson presiding, Council members Beauchamp, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder, City Manager Eastman and City Attorney Andrews present on roll call. The Invocation was given by Council member Henry Beauchamp. Mayor Edmondson referred to the its placed on the Consent Agenda questioning whether there were any additions or deletions from either Council members or citizens present. Councilman Wonder requested that items #17 and #25 be removed from the Consent Agenda. It was the general consensus of the Council that the deletion of items #17 and #25, as requested, be made. The City Attorney then read the Consent Agenda items, including a Resolution and Ordinance by title. It was MOVED by Lee, seconded by Hinman that the Consent Agenda, as read, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye on roll call. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk (*) indicate items on the Consent Agenda to be handled under one motion without further discussion.) It was MOVED by Lee, seconded by Hinman that the minutes of the May 30, 1978 meeting, having been duly certified accurate by two Council members and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly, be approved: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Himnan, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Councilman Ralph L. Holbrook, having submitted his resignation effective as of March 16, 1978, and Council having authorized legislation prepared to appoint Lynn K. Buchanan to serve the balance of his term, it was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Wonder that Resolution No. D-3897, appointing Lynn K. Buchanan as a member of the Yakima City Council, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder aye on roll call. RESOLUTION NO. D-3897, A RESOLUTION appointing Lynn K. Buchanan as a member of the Yakima City Council. Councilman Lynn K. Buchanan was then sworml into office by the City Attorney, Fred Andrews. Don Emerick, Chairman of the Airport Advisory Commission, informed Council that Hughes Airwest has made application to the Civil Aeronautics Board for service between Boise and Denver and requested Council to endorse this petition. Bob Clayton, Manager of Hughes Airwest, spoke in favor of the request for the new route structure. He stated that if approved, it would take about 6 months to 1 year before it would go into effect. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Lee that Resolution No. D- 3896, giving endorsement of the application by Hughes Airwest to the Civil Aeronautics Board for service between Boise and Denver, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling, and 11/ Wonder voting aye on roll call. RESOLUTION NO. D-3896, A RESOLUTION petitioning the Civil Aeronautics Board on behalf of the City of Yakima and Hughes Airwest for non stop authority for Hughes Airwest between Boise and Denver. George McElroy, 803 So. 27th Avenue, thanked the Council on behalf of all the Veterans for having the National Colors flying in the downtown area for the Memorial Day Holiday. In response to a comment made sometime back regarding poor garbage collection, he also stated that he receives excellent service. Ines Rice, 4409 Arlington, stated that she is opposed to the Community Relations Office. She stated that the citizens ought to be able to come directly to the elected officials or to the City Manager. JUNE 5, 1978 Willis White, Public Works Director, spoke to the Council regarding the amendment to the engineering services agreement with R.W. Beck & Associates to prepare a wastewater facilities design, and stated that if this is approved, he would then like authorization to submit an application for Step II grant increases for the wastewater project. Councilman Hinman expressed concern about the lack of justification the City has received from R.W. Beck regarding the additional expenses. City Manager Eastman reported that the Department of Ecology had underestimated the amount of funds available during their fiscal year, which delayed the funds until the next year. Alan Bushley, R.W. Beck & Associates, stated that the contract is on an actual cost-plus basis. He also reported that the scope of the project had been changed to include sludge handling facilities. City Manager Eastman reported that this increase will not increase R.W. Beck's profit. Councilman Hinman expressed concern regarding the monitoring of expenses for this project. After further discussion, it was MOVED by II/ Wonder, seconded by Sparling that Resolution No. D-3899, authorizing an amendment to the engineering services agreement, known as Change Order No. 5, with R. W. Beck & Associates to prepare a wastewater facilities design, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Hinman voting nay. RESOLUTION NO. D-3899, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute an amendment to the agreement with R.W. Beck & Associates to prepare a Wastewater Facilities Design. It was then MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Lee that Resolution No. D-3898, authorizing submittal of an application for Step II Grant Increases for design of the Wastewater Project, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Hinman voting nay. RESOLUTION NO. D-3898, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager of the City of Yakima to apply for state and federal grant increases to finance the design of the Yakima_Area.Wastewater Facilities. Willis White, Public Works Director, reported that Council had previously discussed the urban area comprehensive storm sewer plan and had questioned the legality of financing this study with water/sewer funds. He reported that according to the Legal Department, it is legal. He stated that the Sewer Division primarily handles the storm sewer maintenance and the cost for the maintenance is charged back to the Water/Sewer Fund. Councilman Wonder expressed concern about using the water/sewer fund to finance the study when the storm sewers handle the run-off from the streets, and stated that the Street Division should be charged for this study. After discussion, it was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Lee to authorize negotiations with Yakima County for developing an Urban Area Comprehensive Storm Sewer Plan: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee and Sparling voting aye on roll call. Wonder voting nay. James Smith, 12 N. llth Street, stated that he has a problem with water on top of the ground and flooding of his basement, since the work on the Holiday Inn was done. He stated that he had discussed this problem with various departments at City Hall, and it is his belief that there is a leak in an irrigation line. He also reported that the Holiday Inn II/ failed to install the proper site screening around .their new parking lot. Mr. White reported that his department had looked at the irrigation system and stated that it is possible that the old system could be gathering water (belongs to Old Union Ditch Company), however, the City line does not have any leaks. It was the general consensus of the Council to instruct staff to look into Mr. Smith's problem and also check on the fence at the Holiday Inn. Don Skone, Associate Planner, reviewed five alternative boundary plans for City Council districting, following 1970 census lines'and precinct districts. Carol Darby, Director of Community Development, pointed out that it is important to remember the percentage deviation allowed, stating that if one district is out of proportion by 10%, then there must be another redistricting done. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Beauchamp to work on alternative number "C", as presented. Discussion followed, and Miss Darby stated that there was still time to hold public hearings, but would still like to meet the August deadline. City Manager Eastman suggested that Miss Darby and Mr. Skone do a brief overview at the evening meeting this month, which will be televised, and announce then when the hearings will be scheduled -- possibly the 10th and 17th of July. He also suggested that we get a couple of ads on the maps between July 4th or 5th and the 10th. The Council members also requested JUNE 5, _1978 copies of the maps outlining the five alternatives presented today. The question was called for the vote,on the motion: Beauchamp,, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting nay by voice vote. The motion failed for lack of.a majority. It was then MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Beauchamp to accept a new timeframe relative to Council redistricting, as outlined by the City Manager: carried, Beauchamp, _ Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and. Wonder voting aye by voice vote. It was MOVED by Lee, seconded by Hinman that the outside utility request filed by Don Gimlin for sewer service for property located at 1714 So. 10th Avenue, be approved: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling. and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Councilman Wonder questioned the expense for the City on weedy lot abatements, when the owners don't take care of it. Fire Chief Ed Carroll reported that the Bureau of Fire Prevention notifies the property owners and they do the work themselves. He stated that it is very rare when the property owners don't take care of this. It was then MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by,Hinman that Resolution No. D -3900, authorizing abatement of fire hazards on private property, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling, and Wonder voting aye on roll call. RESOLUTION NO. D -3900, A RESOLUTION. requiring the abatement. of fire hazards on certain property, directing notice to property owners to abate such hazards and, in the alternative, authorizing abatement by the Fire Marshal. Council member Lee questioned the request for. $45,000 when it is. reported to cost $30,000 for the installation of two school crossing signals. - - Willis White, Public Works Director, reported that the other $15,000 will be used to upgrade other existing crossings. Councilman Hinman questioned the fact that most of the school crossings listed were on Avenues and not .Streets, and requested a report on the school crossings on the east side of the City.. Mayor Edmondson reported that the Yakima School Safety Committee set the priorities for the school crossing signals. It, was MOVED by Lee, seconded by Hinman to approve the report regarding pedestrian school crossing signals: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. After discussion, it was. MOVED by Hinman, seconded by_Wonder to accept and approve the report on the proposed 1978 Sidewalk Construction Program, as submitted: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Council members discussed the proposed seal coating program for 1978, Mayor Edmondson expressing concern about using all of the seal coat funds for arterial streets and neglecting residential streets. City Manager Eastman stated that staff had looked at the streets and recommended streets that could use it the most. Mr. White reported that 1/2 gas tax funds can be used for an overlay, but seal coating is disqualified because it is considered to be maintenance. He also reported that enough streets are being seal coated annually to keep it on a 5 -7 year application program. It was MOVED by Lee, seconded by Hinman to accept and approve the report on the proposed 1978 Seal Coat Program, as submitted: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting. aye by voice vote. It was MOVED by Lee, seconded by Hinman that Resolution No. D -3901, authorizing payment of a damage claim filed by Victor 0. Feyerherm, in the amount of $138.46, for damages which. occurred when the sewer line became clogged causing flooding into his basement, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye on roll call. RESOLUTION NO. D -3901, A RESOLUTION authorizing the payment of $138.46 to Victor O. Feyerherm in settlement of his claim for .damages filed with the City of Yakima. . _ JUNE 5, 1978 *It was MOVED by Lee, seconded by Hinman that the out-of-state travel request for Steve Knopp and Glen Pleasant, Public Works Department, to attend the Conference in Vancouver, B.C., June 18-21, 1978, at a cost to the City of $325 each, be approved: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye on roll call. It was MOVED by Lee, seconded by Hinman that Ordinance No. 2186, relating to City funds and accounts and creating an Unemployment Compensation Reserve Fund as a special fund, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye on roll call. ORDINANCE NO. 2186, AN ORDINANCE relating to City funds and accounts; II/ creating the Unemployment Compensation Reserve Fund as a special fund; specifying the purpose of such fund and the source of revenue thereto and providing for expenditures therefrom; enacting Chapter 3.91, "Unemployment Compensation Reserve ,Fund", and various sections thereof as a new chapter and new section of the City of Yakima Municipal Code; and declaring an emergency. An Ordinance amending the 1978 budget, appropriating, transferring and reappropriating monies within and among various funds and accounts, having been read by title only previously, it was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Lee that Ordinance No. 2187, providing for said appropriations, be passed. Ines Rice, 4409 West Arlington, stated that she is opposed to transferring of funds because it is hard to keep track of those funds. City Manager Eastman stated that these appropriations are transferring Federal Revenue Sharing Funds to various departments. The question was called for the vote on the motion: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye on roll call. ORD0r. E NO. 2187, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1978 Budget for the City of Yakima; and appropriating, transferring and reappropriating money within and among various funds and accounts, all as appropriations for the 1978 City of Yakima Budget. The Council members next discussed an Ordinance amending the rules and regulations pertaining to tattoo parlors, previously requested at their May 15th meeting. Councilman Wonder stated that he is opposed to the emergency clause in the Ordinance. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Beauchamp that the Ordinance amending the rules and regulations pertaining to tattoo parlors, be passed. Several Council members expressed concern that a tattoo is almost irreversible and a person should know what they are doing when they have it done. It was suggested that there be a 3 day waiting period before a person could be tattooed and that the permit should be issued somewhere in City Hall. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Wonder that this Ordinance be tabled: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. *A report from the Yakima County District Court Probation Services for the first quarter of 1978 having been received, it was MOVED by Lee, seconded by Hinman to receive the report and order it filed: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Art Zerbach, Director of Finance & Budget, submitted a report on the retroactive overtime cost for personnel between the years 1971-1977, which totaled $38,209.38. City Manager Eastman stated that in most cases, the individual budget accounts can handle the overtime payments. He stated that letters will be sent to the employees who are effected. The Ordinance was adopted in 1970 which states that any fraction of an hour on overtime duty work, will be paid the same as a full hour. We will be bringing this to the bargaining table for negotiation, as the Ordinance can be changed, only after it has been to the Union. Councilman Sparling objected to the Ordinance and to the payback plan. JUNE 5, 1978 Newell Pock, Chief of Code Administration, reviewed his report on the - requirements of the Uniform Building Code relative to remodeling, dated May 25, 1978. He reported on the circumstances when a building permit is required. He also. reported that if the remodeling addition, alteration or repairs exceed 50%:of the value of. the building, then it is required that the entire building comply with the new regulations. If the remodeling, addition,-etc., is between 25 and 50 percent, then only the new work must comply-with the Code. If the-remodeling, addition, etc., is less than 25 percent value, then the structural requirements for the new construction shall apply and minor alterations may be the same as existing building when approved by the building official. After discussion, it was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Buchanan to receive the report and order it filed: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. - - - In response to the question of the legality of the Human Relations p - - Commission establishing by-laws for the Commission, City Attorney Andrews reported that they are within their scope of authority to do so. He stated that when the Robert's Rules of Order were adopted, they were required to change-their rules pertaining to hearings. There being no further business to come before the Council, it was MOVED by Sparling, seconded by Lee that this meeting be adjourned at the-hour of 6:30 PM: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY AP • DATE C. LMAN DATE e/i / 76P COUNCILMAN ATTEST: - Kaht44., 64-611 cl. CITY CLERK - /MAYOR • Inadvertently omitted: Items,distributed to the Council for their information: Memo re appointment of Equipment Maintenance Supervisor; Minutes of Yakima Center Advisory Board Meeting of May 2, 1978; and Minutes of Yakima Valley Regional Library :3 Board Meeting of May 23, 1978.